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Photo courtesy of the Presidency of Colombia

The Elders urge new compromise for Colombia peace deal

The Elders respect the decision of the Colombian people who have voted not to accept the peace agreement and urge Colombian leaders to find compromises which will allow all Colombians to unite behind peace as a national project.

This news release originally appeared on the website of The Elders. The text appears in Spanish below.

The Elders respect the decision of the Colombian people who have voted not to accept the peace agreement negotiated between the government and the FARC guerrilla movement.

However, they are reassured by the statements from all sides reaffirming the ceasefire and rejecting a return to violence. The quest for a solution to this decades-long conflict must continue. The Elders urge Colombian leaders to find compromises which will allow all Colombians to unite behind peace as a national project.

Kofi Annan, Chair of The Elders and former UN Secretary-General, said:

“When I was in Cartagena last week, I saw a country on the verge of peace. That opportunity is not lost but simply postponed. I urge the people and leaders of Colombia to keep the momentum for peace moving forward. I am convinced that peace can be achieved.”

Ernesto Zedillo, Elder and former President of Mexico, who also participated in the Cartagena peace signing ceremony, added:

“The Colombian people want and need peace to build the prosperity with social justice and security that their great nation deserves. The document signed on September 26 provides a sound basis for a definitive agreement that is embraced by all Colombians; but wisdom, patience, tolerance and generosity from all parties, including from those who led the “No” campaign, will be needed. The international community must continue giving its unwavering support to President Santos and all Colombians to persevere until a definitive settlement is achieved.”

 

The Elders exhorta a un nuevo compromiso para un acuerdo de paz en Colombia

The Elders respetan la decisión del pueblo colombiano que ha votado en contra del acuerdo de paz negociado entre el gobierno y el movimiento guerrillero FARC.

Sin embargo, se sienten tranquilos al escuchar las declaraciones de todas las partes que reafirman el cese al fuego y rechazan recurrir nuevamente a la violencia. La búsqueda de una solución a este conflicto que ha durado décadas debe continuar. The Elders exhortan a los líderes colombianos a que se unan para buscar la paz como un proyecto nacional.

Kofi Annan, Presidente de The Elders y ex-Secretario General de la ONU, dijo:

“Cuando estuve en Cartagena la semana pasada vi un país a punto de alcanzar la paz. Esa oportunidad no se ha perdido, simplemente se ha pospuesto. Exhorto al pueblo y a los líderes de Colombia a que mantengan el impulso para seguir avanzando hacia la paz. Estoy convencido de que es posible lograr la paz.”

Ernesto Zedillo, Elder y ex-Presidente de México, que también participó en la ceremonia de la firma de la paz en Cartagena, añadió:

“El pueblo colombiano quiere y necesita la paz para lograr la prosperidad con la justicia social y la seguridad que su gran nación necesita. El documento firmado el 26 de septiembre ofrece una base sólida para un acuerdo definitivo que sea aceptado por todos los colombianos; pero se necesitará la sabiduría, la paciencia, la tolerancia y la generosidad de todas las partes, incluyendo por parte de aquellos que encabezaron la campaña del ‘No’. La comunidad internacional debe seguir dando su firme apoyo al Presidente Santos y a todos los colombianos para que perseveren hasta que se llegue a un acuerdo definitivo.”