Raul Castro Stresses Relevance of Peace Agreements in Colombia

Cuban President Raul Castro said here today that we are now closer to achieving peace that for so long has wished and deserves the brother Colombian people. Speaking at the ceremony of the talks for peace in Colombia, held at Havana Cubanacan protocol hall, the Cuban president said that justice agreements reached by the delegations of the government and the FARC-EP in the peace talks represent a significant step forward.

At the ceremony, the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) revealed important agreements on Special Jurisdiction for Peace made by their delegations in the dialogues held in Havana from November 2012.

In this regard, Raul Castro congratulated the Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos, and the chief of General Staff of the FARC-EP, Timoleon Jimenez, -present in the ceremony, and their respective delegations for these important agreements.

"The talks are on track and justice agreements represent a significant step forward. We are now closer to achieving peace that deserves the brother Colombian people', he said.

He stressed that peace in Colombia is not only possible, it is essential, but requires great effort and willingness as the two sides are showing, he added.

Much has been achieved, they reached much further than ever before, but there are enormous difficulties to overcome, and 'I am sure they will be defeated', he said.

He said the deep respect to the positions of the two sides, absolute impartiality, discretion and firm, consistent support and solidarity will continue to characterize Cuba's modest contribution to the peace process. It is our duty.

'We will not rest in our efforts until the cherished goal of a stable and lasting peace for the beloved Colombia is achieved', he stated.

He praised that after that, the commitment the heads of state and government made at the Second Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (Celac) when we signed the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a zone of peace reality shall become truth.