UN Security Council approves second mission in Colombia

By Sergio Garcia

BOGOTA, Colombia

The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously approved the creation of a second verification mission in Colombia to oversee a peace agreement between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People’s Army (FARC-EP).

The mission will begin its work on Sept. 26 and will supervise FARC members’ reincorporation into political, economic and social life.

Maria Emma Mejia, Colombia’s ambassador to the UN, thanked the organization for its support in the implementation of the peace process.

Mejia stressed that the reincorporation process to civilian life of the former FARC members is the hardest step and requires the reconciliation of the entire nation and reducing the poverty gap between the countryside and cities.

“We know the challenge is huge. We overcame the difficulties. We complied with the ceasefire, the demobilization and the banishing of their weapons," she said.

Mejia also thanked the council for supporting the ceasefire between the government and National Liberation Army (ELN) which will start Oct. 1 and run until January 12, 2018.

U.S. Deputy Representative to the United Nations Michele Sison said the peace agreement in Colombia serves as an example for the world and region, adding it is imperative to find the right conditions for carrying out the peace process with the ELN.

Sison also supports the ceasefire between the ELN and the government and said her country has an interest in supporting the ending of hostilities”.

Bolivian ambassador to the UN Sacha Llorenti praised the creation of the FARC political party that emerged from the former guerrilla group.

“We have been witnesses of the weapons deliveries, the demobilization and the creation of a political party which is clear evidence of the progress of peace in Colombia,” Llorenti said.

The ambassadors of the United Kingdom, Uruguay, Bolivia, Senegal, Japan and Russia declared their support for the peace processes and the adoption of the resolution.