September 26, 2016

Rep. Ruben Gallego Statement on the Signing of the Colombia Peace Agreement

Washington, DC – Today, the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) will sign a landmark peace agreement. If ratified by the Colombian people, the agreement will end more than 50 years of violent conflict that claimed more than 220,000 lives and displaced over 6 million people.

Rep. Ruben Gallego issued the following statement:

“The historic peace agreement signed today will put an end to the suffering and violence that the people of Colombia have endured for over half a century. This milestone is indicative not only of the Colombian government’s commitment to peace, but also of the Colombian people’s remarkable capacity for healing and forgiveness. I want to congratulate President Juan Manuel Santos, who demonstrated bold leadership throughout this long and arduous process.

“Despite this success, significant challenges remain. It is important that the Colombian government now ensures that the peace agreement is carried out in a manner that will promote the rights of the victims and honor their demands for truth and justice.

“After standing with Colombia through decades of war, the United States must continue to stand with the Colombian people as they work to build a just and lasting peace. Robust assistance will be critical to implementing this agreement, and I remain committed to ensuring that the Colombian government can continue to count on strong support from Congress at this important time in their history.”

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