AS DELIVERED

Thank you, Mr. President.

After 52 years of armed struggle, the United States welcomes the historic ceasefire between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army. We congratulate the parties on their commitment to pursuing the sustained and lasting peace that the people of Colombia deserve. We want to recognize the role of the Catholic Church and Ecuador in particular for the special role it has played and continues to play in brokering a longer-term peace.

Through this resolution, we join other members of the Council in supporting the work of the UN Verification Mission in monitoring this ceasefire, which will help build confidence between the parties and prevent a return to armed conflict. We commend the Mission for drawing on its existing staff, logistics, and resources to take on this temporary, additional task while carrying out its mandate to verify the political, economic, and social reintegration of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia FARC.

As the parties work to consolidate the security gains from this ceasefire, we recognize the work has just begun and that there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead. But we look forward to hearing the Secretary-General’s update on the progress and implementation of the ceasefire in the coming weeks. With our vote today, the United States is proud to stand with Colombia as it continues on the path to a more comprehensive peace.‎

Thank you.

###