Photo taken on Aug. 2, 2023, shows a view of the UN Security Council members voting during a meeting at the UN headquarters in New York. (Manuel Elías/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)
Resolution 2694 decides that in addition to existing mandate, the Verification Mission "shall monitor and verify the implementation of the ceasefire" as outlined in the agreement between the Colombian government and the ELN.
UNITED NATIONS, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Wednesday adopted a resolution expanding the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia to include monitoring a ceasefire between the Colombian government and a guerrilla group.
On June 9, the Colombian government and the guerrilla group National Liberation Army (ELN) announced the agreement on a six-month bilateral national ceasefire that is set to start on Aug. 3.
Resolution 2694, unanimously adopted by the 15-member council, decides that in addition to existing mandate, the Verification Mission "shall monitor and verify the implementation of the ceasefire" as outlined in the agreement between the Colombian government and the ELN.
It also authorizes up to 68 additional international observers to the UN mission's existing complement, "as well as an appropriate civilian component taking into account existing resources where possible."
The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) struck a peace deal in August 2016. The UN Security Council in July 2017 approved the establishment of the Verification Mission to verify the political, economic and social reintegration of former FARC combatants as well as security guarantees.
The mandate of the Verification Mission has been expanded several times since then. ■
