The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is studying possibilities to finance a peace process in Colombia in the event the country’s government is able to make peace with the country’s largest rebel group, the FARC, said the finance minister Wednesday.
Finance Minister Mauricio Cardenas revealed ongoing discussions with the representatives of the IMF about the financing of a post-conflict situation in Colombia, where the FARC and the state have been fighting since 1964.
“We discussed possible ways for Colombia to look for mechanisms of financing of the peace agreement,” explained Cardenas on the ministry website.
According to the minister, “an agreement has been reached to form a technical group devoted to the exploitation of possible sources to finance of the peace process,”
The IMF-led group will analyze details of this plan in the coming months.
“We are looking for extensive collaboration with the international community, as peace in Colombia should be in the interest of the whole world,” said Cardenas.
President Juan Manuel Santos has also begun a search for financial aid for a possible peace deal. Santos has already traveled to the United States and Spain for help and has claimed to be in touch with the governments of several European countries over a potential cooperation to solidify peace in his country.
MORE: Obama Reiterates Support For Colombia Peace Process: Santos
Sources
- FMI se compromete a explorar mecanismos para financiar el proceso de paz (El Espectador)
- Gobierno y FMI estudiarán financiación del posconflicto (Finance Ministry)