S/PV.7997 Security Council

In accordance with rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure, I invite the representative of Colombia to participate in this meeting. On behalf of the Council, I welcome Her Excellency Ms. María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia. The Security Council will now begin its consideration of the item on its agenda. Members of the Council have before them document S/2017/583, which contains the text of a draft resolution submitted by all the members of the Security Council. I would like to thank them for submitting the draft resolution. I wish to draw the attention of Council members to document S/2017/539, which contains the report of the Secretary-General on the United Nations Mission in Colombia. The Council is ready to proceed to the vote on the draft resolution before it. I shall put the draft resolution to the vote now.

The draft resolution received 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2366 (2017). I shall now give the floor to those members of the Council who wish to make statements following the voting.

I would like to begin by welcoming Foreign Minister Holguín Cuéllar to the Security Council. The United Kingdom welcomes the Council’s unanimous adoption today of resolution 2366 (2017). Last month, President Santos Calderón called on the Council to continue its support for Colombia on its journey towards peace. We are delighted that we have collectively been able to respond so swiftly and so positively to that call by establishing a second United Nations mission to accompany the next phase in Colombia’s implementation of Colombia’s peace process. We have witnessed an extraordinary journey in Colombia since we established the first United Nations mission in January 2016. That journey, beginning just 18 months ago, culminated with the FARC laying down its weapons on 27 June and ending the days of Colombia at war. We are privileged to have been able to play a role in support throughout this momentous period. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the work of the first United Nations Mission, Special Representative of the Secretary-General Arnault and his team in helping the parties reach this remarkable achievement. They have truly exemplified the best that the United Nations has to offer. But experience from our own history in Northern Ireland has taught us that the hardest part remains ahead. A sustainable and lasting peace will depend on the FARC’s successful reincorporation into civilian life. So we welcome the leadership shown again by both parties in calling for United Nations support to accompany this next crucial phase in implementation of the peace process. As penholder on today’s resolution, we have of course consulted closely with the Government of Colombia and the FARC. We have every faith in the commitment President Santos Calderón made during our visit in May that every last comma of the Peace Agreements will be implemented. The FARC leadership told us that they are grateful for the support of the Security Council, including the action it has taken today. They told us that they look forward to the Council continuing its support in the months and years ahead. I am confident that we will not let the parties down. Colombia has offered a beacon of hope for the world. This Chamber is no stranger to the worst conflicts and crises of our time. In too many places war is the norm and peace remains a distant dream. Thanks in small part to our efforts and our unity, Colombia is showing that peace is possible. I encourage all of us to continue to demonstrate that unity and stand with all of the people of Colombia during the next phase of the peace process.

I would like to welcome the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Ms. María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, and express on behalf of Uruguay our great satisfaction at the adoption by unanimity of resolution 2366 (2017). We also congratulate and thank the United Kingdom for the successful negotiation of the text. For Uruguay, this resolution is a renewed demonstration of the unequivocal support of the Security Council for the peace process in Colombia and recognition of the tenacious and indefatigable will of the Colombian Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) to achieve a lasting and stable peace. They have once again demonstrated their commitment to peace and, at the same time, the trust they have in the United Nations in by asking for fresh support, this time focusing on the political, economic and social reintegration of the FARC-EP and the implementation of personal and collective security measures for their members as well as comprehensive programmes for security and protection of the communities and organizations in the territories. We are very pleased with the prompt response of the Secretary-General, Mr António Guterres, and the Security Council to the request of the parties, which we consider to be very timely at this stage of the peace process in Colombia, referring to aspects that must be dealt with without delay to preserve and strengthen the great achievement embodied in the historic laying-down-of-arms ceremony that took place on 27 June. These are aspects of a peace agreement that the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP have been able make central to the potential, solidity, stability and durability of the peace. To ensure success in the implementation phase, we must not lose sight of the comprehensive focus on making progress through parallel processes in the implementation of the various points of the Agreement. It is positive and encouraging that there are already different actions all aiming towards the same goal. The resolution adopted today is an example of this, as is the creation of the Multi-Donor Trust Fund of the United Nations for Post-Conflict in Colombia. The positive results obtained in the first year of operations in the selected areas as priorities are a major contribution to stabilizing peace in Colombia. We also welcome with great satisfaction the news of the decision taken by the Secretary General to declare Colombia eligible for additional support from the Peacebuilding Fund for a five-year period. Once again, we must stress in this Chamber the example that the will and the commitment of Colombians in their unswerving pursuit of peace sets for the world. As my colleague from the United Kingdom has indicated, in this Chamber we are constantly talking about war. Therefore, seeing the light of peace shine in a Colombian process designed, adopted and guided by Colombians — and of course put into practice by Colombians — is a source of immense satisfaction for us all.

The Russian delegation supported the adoption of the resolution 2366 (2017) on the establishment of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia. This new resolution symbolizes a new step on the path to consolidating sustainable peace in the country through a political process and national dialogue. This has been possible exclusively thanks to the efforts of the Colombians themselves. We welcome the achievement by the participants of a settlement that has led to the important result of the laying down of weapons by the partisans of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), which has opened the path to their full integration into civilian life. In this regard, we note the coordinating role of the United Nations and the contribution of guarantor countries, Cuba and Norway, together with the assistance of Venezuela and Chile. We welcomed the communiqué of the Government and the FARC of 29 May and what followed on 7 June, namely, the letter of the President of Colombia to the Security Council on the achievement of additional agreements supporting the peace process. We support the request in these documents for the launch today, 10 July, of a new phase of the special political mission, in order for the parties to be able to look to tomorrow with confidence and understand what international assistance will be provided to them. In working on today’s resolution, we assumed that the synchronization of the Mission’s mandate with progress in the peace process would be carried out seamlessly. The current mandate of the United Nations Mission in Colombia will therefore continue to act as planned until September, and its financing and staffing will be fully maintained. At the same time, in a step- by-step fashion, the Mission will move to fulfilling isolated monitoring tasks associated with the next step. We hope that this smooth transition will allow the Mission to adapt without rush. We will continue to carefully monitor the security situation. It is important that we do not allow a vacuum to form. We hope that the parties will work in good faith and fulfil in a timely manner all of their obligations according to the existing agreements. For our part, we intend to continue our efforts, including along the lines of the United Nations Mission in Colombia, to support the Colombian people and Government in building a stable peace and in post-conflict development.

Kazakhstan voted today in favour of resolution 2366 (2017), which establishes the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia for an initial period of 12 months. This new mission is designed to be the second political mission in the country. The unanimous adoption of the resolution demonstrates the commitment and determination of the Security Council to ensure the comprehensive and sustained implementation of the historic peace agreement reached between the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC). We believe that, through its transparency, monitoring and verification mechanism, the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia will help the parties to attain the far-reaching political and economic reforms agreed in the peace deal, including the economic and social reintegration of former FARC members into society. After successfully completing the first stage of the peace process, which focused on the completion of the disarmament process, Colombia is now entering a new chapter of the peace agreement. I wish to take this opportunity to congratulate the Colombian Government and our colleagues Ms. Holguín Cuéllar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia and Permanent Representative Mejía Vélez, who are present today with us, and most warmly commend efforts to bring lasting peace to the country. Colombia indeed sets a fine example of what can be achieved in other conflict zones and areas of tension in the world when there is a political commitment and the goodwill of all sides to achieve common goals.

France welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2366 (2017), which it co-sponsored, and the establishment of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, mandated to observe and verify compliance with the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. The Mission is entirely consistent with the laying down of arms by the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia on 27 June, which is a vital step in the establishment of a sustainable peace in Colombia. Once again, we welcome the efforts of the parties in their pursuit of peace regardless of the challenges they face. Colombia is proving to the world that it is able to close the chapter of war and to move resolutely towards peace. I reiterate my thanks to the parties in Colombia and, in particular, hail the visionary and courageous commitment of President Santos Calderón, whom the Foreign Minister represents here today. The peace process under way in Colombia represents a great source of hope and encouragement for the Council, which has seen so many crises in the course of fulfilling its role as guarantor of the maintenance of peace. Much is at stake and there will be challenges. It is now a question not just achieving peace but, above all, building it and allowing it to take root over the long term. The remarkable commitment of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Arnault and his team alongside the parties is a good example of our ability and the ability of the United Nations to provide support. The exemplary results on the ground of the first Mission, deployed in a timely fashion, show that the United Nations is up to the expectations and the trust of the parties. The adoption of the resolution, in response to the request made last month, allows us to renew our resolute commitment. The new mission that we are setting up at the request of the parties will contribute to verifying the implementation of the guarantees and dividends of peace. France is gratified in that regard and would like to thank the United Kingdom penholder. France is fully invested in helping Colombia pave the way for peace and will continue to provide its full support to sustain that peace. French aid now stands at €820 million in loans and donations linked to post-conflict scenarios. We have also contributed €3 million directly to the European Union Emergency Trust Fund for Africa. The resolution that we have just adopted represents an essential building block for a process where the United Nations plays an essential role in helping Colombia along the path to a sustainable peace. Please be assured that the United Nations will respond to the call that was made. France will continue to mobilize decisively to ensure that the process is a success, with a view to helping Colombia to open and to win this new chapter in its history.

I would like to warmly welcome Foreign Minister Holguín Cuéllar to the Chamber. Japan welcomes the unanimous adoption of resolution 2366 (2017) and is pleased to have co-sponsored it. We commend the commitment of the parties in Colombia to the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. The Council has responded to that commitment though today’s resolution. Japan congratulates Colombia on the historic completion of the laying down of arms on 27 June. That is a major step forward for reconciliation. The path to lasting peace will rely on the firm commitment of the parties. We hope that Japanese support for the rehabilitation of victims, post-conflict assistance such as demining and various other efforts, will contribute to the peace process and ultimately to the social and economic development of the people of Colombia. Much hard work lies ahead. A successful reintegration process is vital to sustaining peace. We appreciate the Colombian initiative for the socioeconomic reintegration of ex-Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) combatants, and emphasize the importance of Government efforts to foster self-sufficiency through capacity-building and education. Proactive security efforts are also needed to secure the vacated areas, deal with armed groups and FARC dissidents, and protect community leaders and human rights defenders. We will strongly support those activities, including via the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, but the Government’s role will be central. Japan will work closely with Colombia and the United Nations to support the parties in implementing the Peace Agreement and continues to stand with the people of Colombia.

I welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia back to the Chamber. We welcome this morning’s unanimous adoption of resolution 2366 (2017). Last year, we witnessed the entry into force of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. The accord represents a historic agreement that paves the way for lasting peace for the Colombian people. We commend the parties for their determination to persevere through the implementation of the Peace Agreement. With the near completion of the disarmament process, we now enter a critical next stage. The Security Council has recognized that the successful reintegration of ex-combatants and expanding the reach of the Colombian Government to remote areas of the country are both necessary to ensure the long-term success of the peace process. Our own ongoing assistance to Colombia will focus on, among other things, security, including the Colombian Government’s counter-narcotics efforts, as well as its support for the reintegration of ex-combatants, expansion of State institutions and presence in former rebel areas, including rural economic development, justice services, the military’s civil engineering units, and humanitarian demining. We recognize that the road ahead will pose challenges, but I assure you that the United States is fully committed to the implementation of the peace accord and to the promotion of security, justice, prosperity, and respect for human rights for all Colombians.

We are delighted to have Foreign Minister Holguín Cuéllar here today. I want to begin by congratulating the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia – Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) for reaching another historic milestone in the peace process with the successful laying down of individual arms by FARC- EP on 27 June. We commend the strong commitment of both sides and their efforts to overcome challenges in the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace that resulted in this historic achievement. The United Nations Mission in Colombia has played an important role in support of the peace process. We would like to thank the United Nations Mission in Colombia and Special Representative of the Secretary- General, Jean Arnault, for their excellent work. A second political mission in Colombia will support the parties in building trust and overcoming challenges for the next stage of this historic process. Sweden voted in favour of resolution 2366 (2017). We are proud to sponsor it and would like to take this opportunity to express Sweden’s continued firm commitment to Colombia and to the United Nations mission. The political, economic and social reincorporation of former combatants is now among the main challenges moving forward. The violence against human rights defenders and community leaders and the killings of FARC-EP members and their families show the urgent need for a second mission to also verify the implementation of personal and collective security guarantees, as requested by the parties. To this end, the Mission must have sufficient presence locally and regionally to fulfil its mandate. A committed and sustained effort is now needed from all parts of the State, as well as the United Nations and the international community, in support of the wider peace agreement, including comprehensive rural reform, so that it can rapidly deliver tangible peace dividends for all Colombians.

At the outset, I would like to seize the opportunity to welcome the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia to this historic meeting of the Council. We are honoured to be part of this event. Resolution 2366 (2017), which was just adopted, is the outcome of collective efforts for peace in Colombia. It pushes the peace forward towards a new era, based on solid ground and with the full and strong support of the United Nations. It lays the foundation for sustaining peace and prevents the relapse into conflict based on national ownership which includes a clear strategy set by the Government and other parties to the conflict. I would like to commend the firm commitment of the parties to the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, despite the major challenges that they both faced throughout the past year. The adoption of this resolution highlights the unanimous will to support the Government in its efforts to achieve peace. Egypt therefore sponsored and voted in favour of the resolution as an indication of our firm support for the Colombian Government and for bringing sustainable and lasting peace to that country. Before I conclude, I would like to point out the important lesson to be learned from the peace process in Colombia. We should gather lessons that we can use as we look into other dossiers on the Council’s agenda. The experience of Colombia proved that political solutions, the commitment of the parties to a conflict, the support of regional States and the United Nations, and coordination among the different parties concerned, in addition to the unity of the Council as it deals with certain topics, have all contributed directly to ending the conflict and achieving sustainable peace. In conclusion, once again, Egypt commends the people and Government of Colombia on achieving this historic agreement.

Italy welcomes the outcome of today’s voting. It testifies once again to the unanimous support of the Security Council to the peace process in Colombia. Italy would like to praise the parties for confirming, with the completion of the laying down of arms and the start of the reintegration process, that firm commitment and strong leadership are key to the peaceful solution of conflicts. Also, we commend the Security Council for showing its responsiveness and capacity to take a unified, timely and context- specific action. Allow me to underline that peace is a process, irreversible in this case, thanks to the strong resolve of President Santos Calderón and of the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, but still present challenges that must not be overlooked. We especially commend in this respect the Government of Colombia for its efforts in delivering security, services and economic opportunities to the entire population across the country. We also commend the Government for the steps undertaken to curb illegal activities and organized crime, and will continue to offer bilateral cooperation to that end and also in the framework of the European Union. I would like to conclude by underscoring that the role played by the United Nations in Colombia and by the Council is setting an example of flexibility, effectiveness and respect of the ownership of the parties. The Council will continue to assist the peace process in line with the principle guiding our joint effort to strengthen the United Nations as, first and foremost, a facilitator and a builder of peace. Italy will continue to support the Security Council action in this direction.

We welcome the unanimous adoption of resolution 2366 (2017) establishing the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia to verify the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace between the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC). We express appreciation to the penholder for its efforts in drafting and facilitating the negotiation on this important resolution and we are pleased to have co-sponsored it. Ensuring the continued and united support of the Council will be critical for the success of the Mission and the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Let me take this opportunity to express our congratulations to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, who is at this meeting today for the adoption of this important resolution, for the remarkable progress that her country has achieved so far with regard to turning the corner against conflict and embarking on a path to sustainable peace. We commend the United Nations Mission in Colombia for all the good work it has been doing in support of those efforts. Just a week ago, we had the opportunity to discuss the situation in Colombia and we welcome the important and historic milestone that the country has reached in implementing the Peace Agreement with the completion of the laying down of individual weapons held by the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia and their return to the United Nations for registration and storage. This significant development, alongside the holding of the bilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities between the Government and FARC, strengthen our optimism for lasting peace in the country. Once again, we commend both the Government and FARC for their political will and commitment to advancing the implementation of the Peace Agreement. Of course, we understand that this is only the beginning of a long and arduous process and there are difficult issues that lie ahead, including the implementation of the amnesty law, the reintegration of the FARC combatants to civilian life and the implementation of personal and collective security and protection measures and others. We also recognize the potential complication ahead in relation to the upcoming general elections due to take place in May 2018. Therefore, it is imperative that the parties continue to stay the course and the positive momentum generated recently is sustained to achieve the difficult transition to peace. In this regard, the role of the United Nations Mission in Colombia continues to be critical to further consolidate the gains of the Peace Agreement. That is why we have supported the establishment of a second United Nations mission upon the completion of the mandate of the current Mission. Finally, we want to reaffirm our continued support to the full implementation of the Colombian Peace Agreement and express our solidarity with the people and Government of Colombia as they continue their efforts to make the transition towards sustainable peace.

Ukraine reiterates its support to Colombia’s efforts to implement the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. We congratulate the Government of Colombia and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia — Ejercito del Pueblo for reaching, on 27 June, another historic milestone in the peace process with the successful completion of the laying down of individual weapons. At the same time it is a source of pride for us that the United Nations, through its Mission in Colombia, contributed to the implementation of the agreements on the laying down of weapons and the ceasefire. We would like the United Nations to have more of this kind of achievement. That is why we believe that the United Nations should carefully study the lessons of Colombia so as to apply its best practices in other parts of the world. Effective reintegration is the key to lasting peace. During its visit to Colombia in May, the Security Council clearly demonstrated that in order to guarantee a stable and lasting peace, it is essential to ensure reintegration and reconciliation, with special attention to the needs of the most affected and vulnerable groups. In that context, we commend today’s historic adopt of resolution 2366 (2017), establishing the second United Nations mission in Colombia. At the same time, we express our appreciation and gratitude to the British delegation for its leadership and intense work, which has culminated in the successful adoption of the document. The Security Council should continue to play a proactive role in supporting the parties on their path towards the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace. Today’s decision will contribute to strengthening the United Nations role in peacebuilding in post- conflict situations, and provide the necessary support to strengthen peace, human rights and development for the benefit of all Colombian citizens.

At the outset, I extend the condolences of Senegal to the Government and the people of Egypt following the violent terrorist attack targeting Egyptian soldiers on 7 July, killing 23. We also welcome the presence among us of the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia. I further wish to thank the delegation of the United Kingdom for its excellent work as penholder and for introducing resolution 2366 (2017), which we have just adopted. We welcome the unity of the Council, which must remain active in helping Colombia in this crucial phase and in consolidating its gains. Senegal welcomes the important progress that has been made in the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace between the Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC), ending a conflict that lasted more than 50 years. The people of Colombia owe this progress above all to the commitment of the Government of Colombia, as well as to the leaders of FARC, in particular in the framework of the disarmament process. Through these actions, both parties have shown their deep commitment and devotion to peace. They deserve our support and encouragement, particularly in overcoming the few obstacles that remain on the long road to sustainable peace. I believe that the Security Council’s visit from 3 to 5 May made a significant contribution to establishing a climate of trust between the parties. It is very important that, at this stage of the implementation process of the Peace Agreement, efforts be redoubled with respect to building the FARC camps within the relevant communities, while ensuring the security of former FARC combatants and their reintegration into society, not only as a political force but also as active participants in economic life. Senegal reiterates its full and unwavering support for the deployment of the new United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, whose ultimate objective is the follow-up of the Peace Agreement. In conclusion, I reaffirm Senegal’s support for peace in Colombia, in the reasonable hope that, with the Final Peace Agreement and the support of the international community, Colombia will put an end to a conflict that lasted too long.

We thank Ms. María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, for her presence in the Chamber today. The Security Council has unanimously adopted resolution 2366 (2017), establishing the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia to monitor the implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace, demonstrating its unshakeable support for the peace process in Colombia. Bolivia is proud to have co-sponsored the resolution. As we have noted previously, this process is succceeding because the Government and the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia — Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) are in ongoing dialogue because their ultimate goal is peace. This attitude of dialogue and understanding must now be maintained and strengthened as we enter the most difficult part of the process — the political, social and economic reintegration of FARC-EP and the implementation of personal and collective security guarantees. This phase is a true challenge. The killings of community leaders and human rights champions linked to the guerrillas or their families, dissidents who encourage hate speech and non-reconciliation, the underground economy and other factors are challenges that highlight the complexity of the reintegration process. The Government and FARC- EP have placed their trust once again in the Security Council and the United Nations, and we welcome the fact that the Council has demonstrated its unanimous support for Colombia. We should like to see the process held up as an example to the entire world. We also wish to thank the current Mission, headed by Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jean Arnault and his team, for the commitment they have shown to their work in the first stage. Their work is critical and enjoys the unconditional support of Bolivia.

I shall now make a statement in my capacity as representative of China. China welcomes the presence of Ms. María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia, in today’s meeting. In January 2016, at the request of the Government of Colombia and other parties, the Council authorized for the first time the deployment of the United Nations Mission in Colombia to support the advancement of the peace process in the country. Over the past year, the peace process in Colombia has made important headway. China appreciates the efforts of President Santos Calderón and the relevant parties in Colombia, as well as the Government of Colombia. We also thank the United Nations Mission in Colombia and the relevant countries for contributing to the advancement of the peace process in Colombia. The unanimous adoption of resolution 2366 (2017) today by the Council on the deployment of the second mission in Colombia — the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia—once again sends a positive signal in support of that country’s peace process. It will give strong impetus to the full implementation of the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace in Colombia. The advance of the peace process in Colombia not only is conducive to maintaining peace and stability in Latin America, but also has important reference value to the Council in promoting solutions to hotspot issues in other countries and regions. We hope that Government of Colombia and other parties will be united in promoting the advancement of new achievements in the peace process and thereby set a good example for the international community in addressing conflicts appropriately. We also hope that the Secretariat will continue to respect the leadership of Colombia in the peace process, enhance communication and coordination with the Government and the relevant parties, put forward constructive options and proposals regarding the size and mandate of the Verification Mission, and make effective preparations for the peace process in the country to yield greater results. China will work with other members of the Council in making new contributions to lasting peace security, prosperity and development in Colombia. I now resume my functions as President of the Council. I now give the floor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Colombia.

At the outset, I thank you, Mr. President, the Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China, for having convened this meeting. I wish you every success in your work. With regard to the work and preparations on today’s resolution 2366 (2017), I would like to express our particular gratitude to the Government of the United Kingdom and to Ambassador Matthew Rycroft and the diplomats at the Permanent Mission, as well as especially to Ms. Catherine Carr for her availability and role as penholder on the resolution. I am very moved in thanking all of the members of the Security Council for adopting this new resolution. The Council has just adopted its third resolution in support of peace in Colombia. We are grateful to the members of the Council for remaining united on this matter and for their ongoing dialogue over the past year and a half. The Council’s visit to Columbia last May allowed members to better understand the reality of Colombia, the strength of our institutions, our desire for peace and reintegration as well as the challenges we have faced in the months of implementing the Agreement. That understanding is fundamental to maintaining support for the steps that Colombia is continuing to take in order to consolidate peace and build a prosperous, modern society throughout all regions of the country, especially in the countryside, which is our main challenge. Fostering political participation, greater equity and improved justice will be fundamental to become the country that we want to be — one of opportunities, growth and education, but above all a tolerant and reconciled country. That vision is one of a nation that seeks to overcome the dynamics of the conflict and violence and that has tirelessly for decades sought coexistence and peace. The participation of the Council has between very important in strengthening the building of trust between the two parties that negotiated the peace. Likewise, the support of the international community in the process has made it possible to maintain the determination to overcome difficult moments. As this resolution is adopted, the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejército del Pueblo (FARC-EP) have handed over their individual weapons — a process guaranteed by the first United Nations special Mission. The members of the FARC must now turn over the remaining weapons in their cashes, which the United Nations has been receiving. The process should come to a conclusion in two months. The second special political Mission, which begins when the first one ends, will have a specific mandate to verify the actions we will be taking in implementation of the agreements related to political, economic and social reintegration, security and protection guarantees. This peace process has been built by Colombians for Colombians. It should serve as a reason for all of us to hope in a better future. Nevertheless, as in any robust democracy, a lively debate is taking place. But, little by little, people are beginning to see the benefits of peace and are willing to give it a chance. The dividends of peace are especially being felt in the countryside and rural areas, where live millions of Colombians suffered the consequences of the conflict much more than we who live in the cities. This peace and reconciliation process has had unique characteristics, which we know the world is watching as a model and which could be used as lessons learned. Our process — according not to us, but to experts on peace agreements — has been the first in the world in which victims participated in negotiations and were at the centre of the process. The armed forces had direct participation and where present during the negotiations, contributing their knowledge and vision of the Agreement, especially with regard to the ceasefire and the laying down of weapons. More than 70 per cent of the Peace Agreement includes measures that will mean social and economic transformations for Columbia. It has been crucial to ensure the strengthening of institutions and legislative development for sustainable implementation over time. Lastly, the determination of the parties and the support of the international community made it possible to overcome challenges at critical moments. Once again, we thank the Governments of Norway and Cuba, as guarantor countries, as well as Chile and Venezuela as accompanying countries of the process. We are grateful to all of the members of the Security Council, to the Secretary-General for his interest and commitment and to the members of the special Mission in Columbia, in particular Mr. Jean Arnault. Against that backdrop, I would like to reiterate to the Security Council and to the United Nations the unwavering commitment of my Government to peace and to implementing all aspects of the Agreement. In this the final year of the current Government, we will not rest in implementing the Agreement. We trust that Colombia’s commitment to the Organization and our society will continue under future Governments. In conclusion, I would like to reiterate our determination to build a society that allows us to dream and live in a Colombia that is at peace and more equitable.