April 9, 2024
Madam Chairman:
I welcome Colombian Foreign Minister Murillo to attend today’s meeting and thank Special Representative Masieu for his briefing. I also listened carefully to the speeches made by representatives of civil society.
In February this year, members of the Security Council successfully visited Colombia. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Colombian government for its warm invitation and thoughtful arrangements, Guyana for its meticulous organization as the then President of the Security Council, and the United Kingdom and Switzerland for their extensive work as co-lead countries. Through this visit, members of the Security Council not only witnessed the important progress in implementing the peace agreement and advancing ceasefire peace talks, but also felt the firm determination of all parties in Colombia to advance the peace process. They also saw the various difficulties faced in the implementation of the peace agreement, and realized that there is still a long way to go in terms of the prospects for peace. Less risky challenges.
Whether it is to implement the peace agreement or to promote the concept of “comprehensive peace”, all parties in Colombia need to strengthen their confidence, maintain unity, sum up experience and lessons, sort out the root causes of problems, and formulate policies that are in line with Colombia’s actual situation, meet the needs of all stakeholders, and can effectively pay implemented policy measures. The international community and the Security Council should also take this visit as an opportunity to review and support the Colombian peace process over the past few years, continuously optimize and adjust relevant practices according to the development of the situation and practical needs, and provide more targeted support to Colombia. Let me make three points.
First, we must promote national development and construction and commit to sustainable peace. According to information introduced by the Colombian government and all walks of life during the visit, a major obstacle to the implementation of the peace agreement falling short of expectations is the lack of progress in key areas such as rural reform, land distribution, and the reintegration of former armed personnel into society. China encourages the Colombian government to continue to increase investment in the above areas and hopes that these efforts can lay a solid foundation for advancing the peace process. At the same time, we also recognize that the Colombian government still faces many difficulties and challenges in implementing relevant policies. We hope that UNOCOL will provide greater support to Colombia in this regard in accordance with its mandate and coordinate with the United Nations country team, UNDP, and construction There is a synergy between the efforts of institutions such as the Peace Commission and international and regional partners.
Second, we must advance the dialogue and reconciliation process and consolidate the momentum for peace. China welcomes the continued extension of the ceasefire between the Colombian government and the National Liberation Army (ELN), and looks forward to positive progress in the seventh round of peace talks between the two sides. We have noticed that although the ceasefire between the Colombian government and the Central General Staff (EMC) encountered setbacks, the determination of both parties to advance peace talks has not changed. We also welcome the recent announcement by the Colombian government to launch peace talks with other armed groups. China hopes that all parties in Colombia will show their will and determination, commit to peaceful negotiations, reduce conflict violence, create a good atmosphere for dialogue and consultation, and continuously consolidate and expand the results of the peace talks.
Third, we must effectively improve the security situation and consolidate all parties’ confidence in peace. The Secretary-General’s report points out that violent crimes and armed conflicts continue in some areas of Colombia, threatening people’s safety and disrupting social activities. Some ex-militants have also been repeatedly attacked. A safe and stable environment is particularly important to enhance the confidence of people from all walks of life in the peace process. China supports the Colombian government in fully implementing relevant security policies, continuing to increase the deployment of security forces in former conflict areas that lack effective control, and strengthening the protection of women, children, ethnic minorities and former armed personnel.
Just now, Special Representative Masieu and many Security Council members mentioned Colombia’s transitional justice process. China attaches great importance to promoting the important role of transitional justice in achieving fairness and justice and promoting peace and reconciliation. It is hoped that the Peace Special Jurisdiction Mechanism will speed up its work and issue its first judgment as soon as possible.
Madam Chairman,
China appreciates the extensive work that UNOCOL has done to advance the peace process in Colombia under the leadership of Special Representative Masieu, and is willing to continue to support UNOCOL and international and regional partners in playing a role in promoting a “Colombian-led and Colombian-owned” peace. Provide support and assistance during the process.
Thank you, Chairman.