For over half a century Colombia has been engaged in an immense internal conflict between the FARC and the Colombian military, where over 220,000 people have been killed.
Negotiators in Havana announced today, Tuesday, January 19 that they had agreed to a tripartite mechanism for monitoring any final ceasefire, which – if the UN agree – would be led by the UN for a period of 12 months.
The group would begin its work once a final peace deal is signed, and would be responsible for settling disputes and verifying the terms of weapons surrender.
The UN contingent would be made up of observers from CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean) countries who would work alongside the government and the FARC to implement the deal.
Negotiations to end over 50 years of conflict began in November 2012 and have made significant steps forward in recent months – particularly with an agreement on the thorny issue of transitional justice, and a commitment to the signing of a full peace accord by March this year.
Observers believe that today’s statement brings Colombia one step closer to peace.
Calling it a “defining” moment in the talks, lead government negotiator Humberto de la Calle, said, “[The announcement] today is not only the beginning of an international process, it is an unmistakable sign of the desire to end the confrontation.”