Towards peace in Colombia

Statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba

The Cuban Revolution has had a historical commitment towards peace in Colombia and the efforts aimed at putting an end to the political, social and military conflict in that Latin American and Caribbean sister nation.

The Cuban Government has made discreet and constructive efforts to contribute to find a negotiated solution, always in response to a request from the parties involved and without influencing in the least their respective stands.

For more than one year and at the expressed request of the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia – People’s Army (FARC-EP), and while strictly observing the confidentiality commitment entered into, the Cuban Government has offered its cooperation and support to hold exploratory talks that may lead to a peace process, and has also participated as a guarantor during the deliberations. At the request of both parties, Cuba has also acted as a guarantor, together with the governments of Norway and Venezuela, during the transfer of the representatives of FARC-EP to Cuba.

As a result of the exploratory talks held in Havana since February 23, 2012, and as was declared by the parties, a process of dialogue committed to peace and the settlement of a historical conflict in Colombia has opened up, which Cuba supports, being aware of its importance for the Colombian people and its significance for Latin America and the Caribbean. The Cuban Government will continue to offer its solidarity assistance and good offices in favor of this endeavor for as long as the Colombian Government and the FARC-EP request so.