This
is a historic day for the people of Colombia. With the finalizing of a
peace agreement between Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces
of Colombia, the longest-running war in the Western Hemisphere is
coming to an end. We have witnessed, once again, that a sustained
commitment to diplomacy and reconciliation can overcome even the most
entrenched conflicts.
This
accord is a tribute to the hard work and cooperation of countless
Colombian leaders and citizens—across parties and administrations—who
painstakingly
laid the groundwork for this milestone. I especially want to commend
President Juan Manuel Santos for his courageous leadership during four
years of difficult negotiations. I likewise thank the government of
Cuba for hosting these talks, its co-guarantor
Norway, and the United States' Special Envoy, Bernie Aronson, for his
contributions to the peace process.
Even
as we mark the end of an era of war, we recognize that the work of
achieving a just and lasting peace is only beginning. Yet just as the
United
States has been Colombia's partner in a time of war, we will be
Colombia's partner in waging peace. It is in this spirit that I stood
alongside President Santos earlier this year and announced a new chapter
in our relationship, Peace Colombia, which will
provide a framework to reinforce security gains, reintegrate former
combatants into society and extend opportunity and the rule of law.
For
generations, too many Colombians have known only a country ravaged by
war. Many around the world have viewed Colombia only as a place of
conflict. But as I saw when I visited Colombia four years ago, a remarkable
transformation has occurred. Thanks to the strength and spirit of the
Colombian people, today's Colombia is moving toward a future of optimism
and hope. The United States is proud to stand
with the Colombian people as they continue on the path to lasting peace
and prosperity.
Source: The White House, Office of the Press Secretary
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