Ban welcomes announcement of new measures to de-escalate recent violence in Colombia

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed yesterday’s announcements that the Colombian Government and the FARC-EP plan to institute new measures in de-escalating the fighting in the country and accelerate negotiations towards a peace agreement, the United Nations has confirmed.

A statement issued by Mr. Ban’s spokesperson also confirmed that the Secretary-General welcomed the intention of the Colombian Government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC- EP) to invite the United Nations to accompany discussions in the sub-committee focusing on end-of-conflict issues.

Mr. Ban reiterated the United Nations’ willingness to provide the support required to ensure the successful conclusion of negotiations and the implementation of a peace agreement in Colombia.

Rebels from FARC have been in talks with the Government for the last 30 months, seeking to end a 51-year conflict that has made almost a quarter of a million victims.

The two sides are working to end the long-running conflict through full implementation of the General Agreement for the End of the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, signed two years ago.

Last year, the parties reached an accord on dealing with illicit drugs in the country. This followed a deal reached in 2013 on political participation and enhancing the role of women, which the Secretary-General also welcomed at the time.

According to media reports, however, tension mounted in June amid clashes between insurgents and Government soldiers.