United Nations, Jan 2 (IANS) UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has welcomed the announcement of a six-month cease-fire between the Colombian government and five armed groups.
Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced on New Year’s Eve bilateral cease-fire agreements with five rebel groups from January 1 to June 30, 2023, which he said are extendable depending on the progress of negotiations, Xinhua news agency reported.
The cease-fire is a development that brings renewed hope for comprehensive peace to the Colombian people as the New Year dawns, said Stephane Dujarric, Guterres’ spokesman, in a statement on Sunday.
“The Secretary-General trusts that adherence to these commitments will reduce violence and the suffering of conflict-affected communities, while helping to build confidence in ongoing dialogues.”
The Secretary-General reaffirms the support of the UN to Colombia’s efforts to achieve full and lasting peace, said the statement.
–IANS
int/khz/