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UN chief welcomes deal by Colombia, FARC rebels to release child soldiers

Xinhua, May 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Tuesday welcomed an agreement between the government of Colombia and the country's largest rebel group to release minors under 15-year-old from the rebels'camp.

On Sunday, the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) announced the agreement on the parties' commitment to develop a roadmap to complete the separation of all minors and on a special comprehensive program focused on these children.

"This agreement, achieved with the good offices of the Secretary-General's Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, Leila Zerrougui, heralds the end of the conflict for its youngest participants, recognized as victims in the agreement," said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson.

Ban also called on negotiators from both sides to "achieve promptly a final agreement that will allow all Colombians to enjoy the benefits of a lasting peace."

Last week, the Colombian government and FARC agreed on a series of "institutional mechanisms" regarding the final peace deal they have been negotiating for to end the five-decade armed conflict in the country.

Once reached, the final peace deal will be presented to the UN Security Council and the UN chief. Endit