AFP, UNITED NATIONS: The UN Security Council on Friday warmly welcomed the historic peace deal reached between Colombia’s government and FARC rebels, and pledged to help ensure the agreement takes hold.
The council met behind closed doors two days after the Bogota government and rebel representatives announced they had reached a final peace deal to end decades of conflict.
The United Nations intends to set up a special mission in the South American country to monitor the ceasefire, help disarm the rebels and verify compliance with the peace deal.
The council “reiterated its commitment to supporting implementation of the ceasefire agreement, cessation of hostilities and the laying down of arms through the UN political mission in Colombia,” said Malaysia’s Deputy Ambassador Siti Hajjar Adnin, whose country holds the council presidency this month.
Council members “warmly welcome” the peace deal that will be submitted to a nationwide referendum on October 2 and congratulate Colombians, she added.
British Deputy Ambassador Peter Wilson said the council is considering the “next steps” to support the peace process.