Still awaiting the final details of the new peace agreement between the Colombian Government and the FARC guerrillas, Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament today praised the efforts made by both parties and by civil society to achieve a lasting peace.
The new agreement includes 56 changes to the original text, in order to address the concerns expressed by Colombian citizens in the referendum held on 2 October.
Ramón Jáuregui MEP, who is co-chair of the Parliamentary Assembly EU-Latin America (Eurolat) said:
“We congratulate the negotiators in Havana for achieving an enlarged peace agreement in such a short time, which includes the concerns and demands expressed by the Colombian people in the referendum. It was essential to seize the momentum and work for a peaceful future with a democratic spirit and a sense of responsibility.
“The international community must now ask the parties, in particular the “NO side” in the referendum, to make a generous effort and actively engage in the process that should lead to an end to violence.
“We, the S&D Group, have backed the peace process and we will continue to do so not only now, but also when it is implemented, both politically and financially.”
Carlos Zorrinho MEP, the S&D Eurolat co-ordinator, added:
"Both the Colombian government and the FARC were able to interpret the people's will. The outcome of the referendum was not a choice for the war but rather a strong and consolidated peace. Fortunately, that peace is possible to achieve."
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