November 14, 2016

Rep. Ruben Gallego Congratulates Colombia on Reaching New Peace Deal

Washington, DC – Yesterday, the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a revised peace deal designed to end more than 50 years of violence which has claimed more than 220,000 lives and displaced over 6 million people.

An earlier peace deal was unexpectedly rejected by Colombian voters during a national referendum in October.

Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement:

“I want to congratulate President Juan Manuel Santos for quickly and successfully renegotiating a peace deal that will bring an end to the suffering and violence that the people of Colombia have endured for more than half a century.

“The new agreement addresses key concerns of those who opposed the original accord and goes even further to provide reparations to victims.

“A successful peace negotiation is a victory for the Colombian people. I remain committed to ensuring that Colombia can continue to count on strong support from Congress as our ally takes critical steps toward a lasting peace.”

Congressman Ruben Gallego is the first Colombian-American Member of Congress.