United Nations Confirms Colombia's FARC Disarmament Complete

Edited by Pavel Jacomino
2017-06-27 15:47:49

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Bogota, June 27 (RHC)-- The United Nations has confirmed that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, has delivered 7,132 weapons, as part of the peace process to end decades of conflict and begin their transition into politics. 

The former rebels attended a disarmament ceremony in the Mesetas, around 250 kilometers south of Bogota.  Their leader Rodrigo Londoño, also known as Timoleon Jimenez, or Timochenko, and the Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos were also present. 

In a statement the UN said: "To this date, the Mission has stored the total number of individual registered FARC weapons: 7,132 weapons, except those that, according to the road-map, will serve to provide security for the 26 FARC camps until August 1, 2017". 

It marks the beginning of the fighters' reintegration into society and the end to more than fifty years of conflict with the Colombian government, which claimed around 260,000 lives. 

The FARC fighters said they've complied with the agreement but the government has been slow in implementing the deal. 

They've denounced what they describe as Bogota's denial of paramilitary violence, that has led to the death of several members of the former guerrilla group even during peace negotiations. 

Timochenko and other leaders have said they will continue their fight for social justice now through peaceful means. 

The disarmament process had been scheduled to end last month, but the both sides announced an extension due to logistical problems.  The sticking points included issues over security and infrastructure shortages for the 26 transition zones for members of the FARC. 

The zones are the next phase of the peace process which is helping the former rebels reintegrate back into civilian life. 

The historic agreement had the support of the international community, especially guarantor countries such as Cuba, Ecuador, Venezuela, Norway and Chile.  The UN peace mission said that by August 1st they will have stored all the weapons from the camps. 

They will be used to build three monuments signifying peace as agreed in the deal negotiated with the Colombian government in Cuba. 

Further aspects of the accord still to be implemented include land for campesinos, de-mining, the fight against drug trafficking as well as state social investment in education and health. 



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