The declaration of a cease-fire for a period of six months between the government of Colombia and five armed groups has been met with approval by Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
According to Xinhua news agency, on the eve of the New Year, Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced that bilateral cease-fire agreements with five rebel groups would go into effect on January 1 and remain in effect until June 30, 2023. Petro stated that the agreements could be extended depending on the progress of ongoing negotiations.
According to a statement released on Sunday by Stephane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesperson, the cease-fire is a development that provides fresh hope for complete peace to the Colombian people as the New Year dawns.
“The Secretary-General is confident that adherence to these pledges will lead to a reduction in violence and the suffering of communities that have been touched by conflict, while also contributing to the building of confidence in continuing discussions.”
According to the statement, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has reaffirmed the support of the UN to Colombia’s efforts to establish complete and lasting peace.
