Photo provided by the Colombian Presidency shows then Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L, front) and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Rodrigo Londono (R, front), shaking hands during the signing ceremony of a revised peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC at Colon Theater in Bogota, capital of Colombia, on Nov. 24, 2016. (Xinhua/Colombian Presidency/Cesar Carrion)
Much has been achieved toward a more peaceful and inclusive Colombia. Yet, more still needs to be done.
UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 24 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday hailed the Colombian peace process on the sixth anniversary of a historic peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
The secretary-general sent heartfelt wishes to the people of Colombia and the parties to the Final Peace Agreement on the sixth anniversary of its historic signing, said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for Guterres, in a statement.
Guterres recalled his visit to Colombia exactly one year ago and noted that hopes and expectations for a firm and lasting peace have only increased, both in Colombia and abroad, said the statement.
"The secretary-general is greatly encouraged by the commitment of the Colombian government to redouble efforts toward the sound implementation of the agreement, as the cornerstone of its 'Total Peace' policy, which has already given birth to hopeful new dialogues for peace," it said, adding Guterres also commended the steadfast commitment of the former FARC rebels toward peace consolidation.
Much has been achieved toward a more peaceful and inclusive Colombia. Yet, more still needs to be done, especially to bring security and development to regions still afflicted by violence and poverty, where ethnic communities are the most affected, as well as to ensure redress to victims and to foster reconciliation, said the statement.
"There are still many challenges ahead. But Colombia is not alone on its difficult journey which continues to inspire the world. The secretary-general reaffirms the full support of the United Nations," it said. ■
