Colombian Government and FARC-EP request UN to authorize Mission to continue supporting ceasefire

The Colombian Government and the country’s largest rebel group announced today that they are willing to press ahead on the goals of the historic peace accord that was rejected by voters this past weekend, while the two sides also requested that the United Nations Mission in the country continue its work, particularly relating to monitoring the ceasefire.

In a joint statement from Havana, which has hosted the landmark peace negotiations since 2012, the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) reaffirmed their commitment to the bilateral and definitive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities today, while also requesting Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and the Security Council to authorize the UN Mission in the country to continue coordinating the tripartite Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, particularly relating to the ceasefire.

The Monitoring and Verification Mechanism – with the participation of the government and the FARC-EP, coordinated by UN Mission – will be responsible for monitoring and verifying that the parties will comply with a jointly defined protocol, particularly related to the ceasefire-related rules.

The request of the parties to the Secretary General and the Security Council seeks authorization for the UN Mission to exercise the functions of "monitoring, verification, resolution of differences, recommendations, reports and coordination of the Tripartite Monitoring and Verification Mechanism under [UN Security Council] Resolution 2261 (2016).”

The Colombian Government and the FARC-EP also invited the countries contributing to the UN Mission in Colombia with unarmed observers to continue deploying their men and women, who will continue to have all the necessary safety guarantees.

The request from the parties comes as Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was today awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, about which Mr. Ban said in a statement issued by his office: "This special recognition offers hope and encouragement necessary to Colombians."

“The results of the 2 October plebiscite should not divide the millions of Colombians who strive to build a peaceful country. This award says to them: you have come too far to turn back now. The peace process should inspire our world,” the UN chief added.