United Nations, January 11 (Prensa Latina) The United Nations Security Council today approved the mandate of its mission to Colombia to begin the comprehensive rural reform envisaged in the peace accords to help end the national conflict.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the steps taken by Gustavo Petro’s government and its determination to cement the end of the war.
“I am pleased that the full implementation of the final agreement is the focus of your efforts,” said António Guterres in his report on the verification mission in Colombia, which covers the period between September and December 2022.
The head of the organization described as encouraging the contacts between the government and rural communities and the subsequent agreement with the Cattlemen’s Federation to purchase land for comprehensive rural reform.
“This is clear evidence that all sectors of Colombian society can and should contribute significantly to the implementation of the final agreement,” he stressed.
For his part, the head of the Verification Mission in the South American country, Carlos Ruiz, said violence against indigenous leaders and communities was of particular concern.
In particular, he referred to events against the Awá and Afro-Colombians, such as the municipal councils of Alto Mira and Frontera, both in the department of Nariño, “where the implementation of the ethnic provisions of the final agreement is imperative,” he said.
Ruiz assured that the government is evolving to reduce violence as part of its comprehensive peace plan and launching a new approach to human security.
However, the need for a coordinated implementation of the provisions of the agreement on security guarantees is evident.
The representative also condemned the attempted attack on Vice President Francia Márquez, who was present at the meeting, reported yesterday.
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