AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Mr. President, and welcome back Madam Minister. We welcome this morning’s unanimous adoption.

Last year, we witnessed the peace accord’s entry-into-force. This accord represents a historic agreement that paves the way for lasting peace for the Colombian people. We commend the parties for their determination to persevere through the implementation of the peace agreement. With the near completion of the disarmament process, we now enter a critical next stage.

This Council has recognized that the successful reintegration of ex-combatants and expanding the reach of the Colombian government to remote areas of the country are both necessary to ensure the long-term success of the peace process.

Our own ongoing assistance to Colombia will focus on, among other things, security, including the Colombian government’s counter-narcotics efforts as well as its support for the reintegration of ex-combatants, expansion of state institutions and presence in former rebel areas, including rural economic development, justice services, the military’s civil engineering units, and humanitarian demining.

We recognize the road ahead will pose challenges, but I assure you that the United States is fully committed to the implementation of the peace accord and to the promotion of security, justice, prosperity, and respect for human rights for all Colombians.

Thank you.

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