World

UN renews commitment to Colombia ceasefire

A statement today by the United Nations Security Council welcomed the historic peace agreement reached Wednesday between the Colombian government and leftist FARC rebels. The council renewed its commitment to help implement a ceasefire.

A statement from the UN Security Council welcomes historic peace accord reached Wednesday

People celebrate in Bogota, Colombia, following the announcement of a peace accord to end a half-century civil war Wednesday. Today the UN Security Council renewed its commitment to help implement the ceasefire. (Fernando Vergara/Associated Press)

The United Nations Security Council is welcoming the final peace agreement between the Colombian government and leftist rebels, reiterating its commitment to help implement and verify the ceasefire.

The council said in a statement Friday that the UN political mission in Colombia will also support implementation of the "cessation of hostilities and the laying down of arms" by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Patricia, a member of the 51st Front of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), poses for a picture in Cordillera Oriental, Colombia, Aug. 16. (John Vizcaino/Reuters)

The statement was read by Malaysia's deputy UN ambassador, Siti Hajjar Adnin, whose country currently holds the council presidency. This was after Jean Arnault, who heads the political mission, briefed members behind closed doors on Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's recommendations for the operation.

Ban said earlier this month that the UN mission will operate in 40 widely dispersed locations and require about 450 observers and a number of civilians.