Guterres applauds the decision of the Government of Colombia and the ELN to resume peace talks

“The UN Secretary-General strongly praises the decision announced today by the Government of Colombia and the National Liberation Army (ELN) to resume peace talks,” his spokesman, Staphen Dujarric, assured on Tuesday.

It also states that António Guterres “urges both parties to fully seize this opportunity to end a deadly conflict that has lasted for decades, and whose resolution is essential to broaden the scope of peace in the country.”

Guterres sees as positive the parties’ agreement to build their talks on the basis of progress made in previous negotiations, as well as the importance they attach to the participation of civil society in the construction of peace.

The head of the UN has also confirmed “the willingness of the United Nations to provide the necessary assistance”, through its special representative in Colombia, both during the dialogues that are held and in the application of the agreements.

Guterres”expresses its profound gratitude to Cuba, Norway and Venezuela for having agreed to assist the parties as guarantor countries.” It also encourages the international community as a whole to lend its support.

According to Dujarric, the Secretary General is confident that Colombians can demonstrate once again that even the most entrenched conflicts can be resolved through dialogue.

Guterres encouraged by Petro’s peace and security approach to Colombia

On the other hand, according to latest quarterly report of the UN mission in the country, which follows the application of the peace agreements with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the Secretary General is “encouraged” by the peace and security approach of the new Government of Colombia .

Guterres points out that the government of Gustavo Petro “prioritizes dialogue” to resolve conflicts; focuses security strategies on protecting vulnerable communities and human rights; and links solutions to violence with overcoming historical inequalities.

“If the instruments of the Peace Agreement are used to their full potential, they can decisively help put an end to the persistent expressions of violence in the country and, at the same time, contribute to the broader objective of creating conditions and opportunities for everyone in Colombia live in peace and with dignity”, says Guterres.

Despite the progress, the report warns about the persistent challenges that endanger the reintegration of ex-combatants. Between June and September, 15 were killed (all men), 11 of them in July alone, making it the deadliest month since 2019.

The report shows that the actions of illegal armed groups continue in areas with little State presence. In the same period, the UN received complaints of 45 homicides of human rights defenders.