The President of the Councils of State and Ministers, Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, congratulated Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC-EP Comandante Timoleón Jiménez, as well as their delegations to the peace talks, on the important agreement announced today in Havana regarding a Special Jurisdiction for Peace to administer justice once the conflict is over.
“The talks are on track. These agreements on justice are a significant step forward, we are closer to achieving the peace that the people of Colombia long for and deserve,” Raúl stated.
Peace in Colombia is not only possible, it is essential and requires great effort and will, the Army General added.
He noted the progress that has been made, “a lot further than ever before.”
“There are still enormous difficulties to surmount but we are certain that they will be overcome,” he said.
“Profound respect for the positions of the two sides, absolute impartiality, discretion and firm, consistent and solidary support will continue to characterize Cuba’s modest contribution to the peace process, it is our duty,” he added.
“We will not rest until the cherished goal of peace for the beloved Colombia is achieved. The commitment we made in the Second Summit of CELAC Heads of States when we declared Latin America as a Zone of Peace will become a reality,” he concluded.
The agreement establishes the mechanisms to be used for the application of justice on reaching peace, a major step which would address one of the most important issues of the negotiations.
Of the issues on the agenda in Havana, preliminary agreements have already been reached in regards to rural development, illicit drugs and political participation. Once the issue of the victims is resolved, the implementation, verification and formal endorsement of the agreement will remain, in order to put an end to the conflict itself.
Since November 2012, when the peace talks were installed in Cuba, the island has ratified its historic commitment to peace in Colombia and the efforts to end the political, social and military conflict in the sister nation.
(Diario Granma)