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Colombia's peace process at risk amid renewed clashes, top UN official warns

Xinhua, June 13, 2015 Adjust font size:

The UN high commissioner for refugees, Antonio Guterres, on Friday expressed concern that renewed armed clashes in Colombia "could derail the peace process under way and create further risks for the population," a UN spokesman said here Friday.

"He called on both parties to move forward with negotiations, adding that he hoped that talks, which have been taking place in the Cuban capital Havana since 2012, will soon result in a peace accord," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters here.

"Mr. Guterres said progress on key aspects of the negotiation agenda, the agreements reached so far and the participation of victims in the talks were significant achievements that could make the difference between war and peace," the spokesman said.

"After decades of unrest, Colombians, especially the millions displaced, have longed for peace, pinning hopes on a negotiated settlement," Guterres said. "Any disruptions in the peace process could jeopardize its chances of arriving at a positive outcome."

"I encourage both parties to move forward with negotiations and hope that the talks that have been taking place in Havana since 2012 will soon result in a peace agreement," Guterres said.

Rebels from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have been in talks with the government for the last 30 months, seeking to end a 51-year conflict that has made almost a quarter of a million victims.

Tension mounted in recent weeks amid clashes between insurgents and government soldiers in Colombia, according to media reports.

"Protecting the civilian population from the consequences of conflict is critical to end the loss of human live," said Gutteres. "I firmly hope that the ongoing negotiations will soon lead to a historic opportunity for the country to overcome adversity."

Guterres welcomed the recent agreements that aim to establish a truth and justice commission, stop child recruitment and start demining activities in Colombia's Department of Antioquia. "These steps open the doors to finding solutions for displaced populations and refugees in a way that guarantees their safety and dignity." Endite