Peace Deal in Colombia Should Inspire Warring Nations to Settle Conflicts - UN

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10:28 27.09.2016(updated 10:33 27.09.2016)

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed a ceasefire which has ended a half-century war between the Colombian government and FARC rebels.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – Achieving peace in Colombia after 50 years of war in the country should be an example and inspiration to all the states trying to reach truce and has already become a lesson for peacemakers worldwide, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said.

"You had the vision to bring the victims to the forefront. What they have lost can never be restored. Yet victims have been among the most forceful voices for peace and reconciliation, and against bitterness and hatred. Their example should be an inspiration to all…. Peacemakers working in other parts of the world are already studying Colombia's peace process for lessons that can inform their efforts," Ban said at the signing of the Colombia peace agreements.

He also pledged to continue to help the government implement the peace agreements and normalize the situation in the war-shattered country.

"We will continue to offer our support to address the human rights and humanitarian challenges that persist. I am encouraged to know that there is already excellent collaboration among the Mission, the larger UN system in the country and our Colombian partners," Ban continued.

On Monday, the formal signing of a peace agreement between the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Colombian government took place in the Colombian city of Cartagena. The representatives of the European Union, the United Nations, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) attended the ceremony.

Colombia was mired in a half-century war between the FARC and the Colombian government, which has claimed lives of a quarter of a million people. The two parties began peace talks in November 2012.

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