“I am delighted to see the preliminary peace agreement signed in Havana by the Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santo, and the leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), Rodrigo Londono, in the presence of Cuba and Norway”, stated Under-Secretary Mario Giro. “This is an important step that aims to guarantee a peace – without impunity – and to manage the crucial question of the victims of war, which was the most complicated part of the preliminary talks. The signing of this preliminary agreement paves the way to a general peace agreement, which should be signed on 23 March 2016”.
“This important result is the merit of the journey and constant mediation by Pope Francis, of Cuba’s action in hosting the negotiations and of President Barack Obama. I am pleased that Italy, through civil society initiatives like those of the Sant’Egidio organisation, has constantly encouraged this process.
“After the general agreement is signed, Colombia will to able to express its full economic and social potential. A chapter that has lasted nearly 70 years and which saw nearly 500,000 victims will be closed. The peace will open up new challenges and Italy is ready to make its contribution”, concluded Under-Secretary Giro.
