Due to ongoing bloodshed and suffering, United Nations Coordinator Fabrizio Hochschild argues that Colombia’s government and the FARC must accelerate the dialogue in Cuba to reach a definitive peace agreement as soon as possible.
“There is no cease fire right. Every day soldiers die, guerrillas die, and civilians die for lack of an agreement,” said Hochschild during a forum organized by the UN and the Universidad Nacional in Bogota about possible solutions to the problem of illicit drugs in the context of the ongoing peace talks. “Every day there is more suffering and so I believe there is a certain pressure to end this conflict.”
The forum took place in Bogota with 1,200 people in attendance. From the forum proposals will be developed for delivery to government and FARC peace negotiators in Havana.
Also at the forum, Hochschild warned that Colombia, which is no longer the top world producer of cocaine, must now work to address its new status as a South America’s top consumer of cocaine.
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Peace talks between the government and guerrilla group began in November 2012 on the basis of a five-point peace agenda. An agreement was reached in May regarding the first item on the agenda – rural agrarian development – while discussions focusing on the second item on the agenda – political participation – continue.
What to do about illicit drugs is one of the other three on the agenda, along with DDR (Disarmament, demobilization and reintegration) and the rights of the victims.