Kaine Statement On Announcement Of Colombian Ceasefire Deal

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, released the following statement regarding today’s announcement that the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have reached a bilateral ceasefire deal, the last major step toward ending a war that has lasted 52 years:

“After four years of talks, I welcome today’s announcement that the Colombian government and FARC signed a ceasefire accord, the last major hurdle toward agreeing on a final peace deal to end a half-century of bloodshed.  The people of Colombia deserve a just and lasting peace and these negotiations, focused on ending one of the world’s longest wars, serve as an important example to other regions in conflict that diplomacy is preferable to war.  I will do all I can to support these efforts in the Senate, including through the Peace Colombia initiative, to turn the commitments made during the peace process into tangible and sustainable results, should this accord ultimately be endorsed by the Colombian people, and to further strengthen the close U.S.-Colombia partnership.” 

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