Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Permanent Mission of the Russian Federation to the United Nations

Statement by Dmitry Polyanskiy, First Deputy Permanent Representative of Russia to the UN, during the VTC of UN Security Council members on the situation in Colombia

Mr. President,

We welcome personal participation in this VTC meeting of Foreign Minister of Colombia H.E. Ms. Claudia Blum. We are grateful to SRSG Carlos Ruiz Massieu for his presentation of the Secretary-General's report on the Verification Mission in Colombia. Our thanks also go to the other briefer, Mr. David Santiago Cano.

 In our view the document presented by Mr. Massieu quite accurately and in details reflects the current state of affairs with the realization of the Final Peace Agreement.

Of course, the current global situation complicated a lot of things for every country and posed new challenges to the governments' efforts to address the needs of people. This time is the most serious test for the governments across the globe, their ability to protect their populations and economies.

In case of Colombia this task is even more complicated – apart from fighting COVID-19 the Government also needs to deliver on the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement. A lot has been done to make the long awaited peace in the country possible, but there is also a long way ahead to guarantee its sustainability through making sure that the needs and aspirations of all segments of society are met. And the most efficient way to identify and address those needs is through inclusive, peaceful and constructive dialog.

Peace is a common effort and responsibility – where each national player has a part. We are encouraged by the popular appeals in Colombia in support of peace in line with the Secretary-General’s call for ceasefire, including the announcement made by ELN. Today’s challenging times is the moment for all Colombians to make extra effort for peace and dialogue.

The UN presence in the country plays a significant role helping Colombians to verify the implementation of the Final Peace Agreement as supported by the Security Council and the Secretary-General. In 2017 the UN Mission has already verified the finalization of extraction of arms caches and laying down of weapons, thus completing the first phase of its presence, and moved to the second phase – verification of implementation of the Government programs.

And there is a list of tasks to accomplish in order to build a solid foundation for lasting peace. The most pressing are of course the security guarantees for the population. We, as everyone, are very much concerned by the killings of former combatants and social leaders as well as by the growing number of those who are forced to leave their homes due to security concerns. All these incidents have to be investigated and perpetrators must be brought before justice.

Undoubtedly the population should see peace dividends in everyday life. This task brings forward the need for advancement in political, socio-economic and legal reintegration of former combatants as well as sound progress in agricultural programs and reforms, creation of employment opportunities. Obviously, such programs will require proper financing.

Due attention should be given to public discussion of the work of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace – this central element of the Final Peace Agreement should maintain its full independence. All attempts to influence it should be thoroughly investigated.

We hope that all of these tasks are to be the focus of the national and newly elected local authorities. And the Verification Mission will continue its efforts in assisting Colombians in implementing the provisions of the Final Peace Agreement.

Thank you.