On Monday Sept 26, Foreign Minister Bert Koenders witnessed the official signing of the peace agreement between the Colombian government and FARC rebels. The ceremony took place in the port city of Cartagena and was attended by several heads of state, heads of government and other dignitaries.
The peace agreement is meant to end more than 50 years of armed conflict, which has cost more than 220,000 lives and displaced over 6 million people. During the traumatic conflict around 360,000 Colombians fled their country, a neighbour of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
The Colombian government had invited Mr Koenders to attend the signing ceremony. At the beginning of the ceremony he said, ‘It’s very important for me to be here. This agreement is a crucial step towards peace in Colombia and stability in the region. It is an historic milestone. It has demanded great effort, courage, patience and trust from all sides: the Colombian government, the FARC and international parties involved. I have deep respect for all these parties and the outcome they have achieved together.’
‘I also want to express my support to all the Colombians who have suffered from this conflict,’ Mr Koenders continued. ‘Through it all, the Netherlands has always believed in a good ending and has backed the Colombian government’s efforts from the start.’
Today Sunday October 2, Colombians will vote on the peace deal in a referendum. ‘This will be a key moment, because the conflict has caused great hardship and mistrust,’ the minister said. ‘Everyone must have a chance to cast their vote. That’s why observers of the Organization for American States will be monitoring the referendum. And why the Netherlands is supporting the observation mission financially.’
The Netherlands has also pledged €3 million to a 5-year EU fund on implementing the peace agreement, primarily through rural development in regions where FARC rebels have been active. Because there are many landmines in these areas, the Netherlands is also providing €1.3 million to a mine clearance project and is investigating opportunities for contributing to land registration and transitional justice.
‘A new era is dawning for Colombia, but the future also holds challenges,’ Mr Koenders observed. ‘One of these is the negotiation process with the National Liberation Army – the ELN – the other guerrilla movement in Colombia. Peace talks with the ELN were officially announced on 30 March this year, but the first round has yet to begin.’
