Vietnam appreciative of Colombia’s reintegration commitment

Upon addressing the UN Security Council (UNSC) debate on April 21 regarding the situation in Colombia, the Vietnamese Ambassador noted appreciation for commitments made by the Colombian Government in terms of implementing the reintegration process, including the protection of veterans.

He therefore suggested that all stakeholders continue to engage in a constructive dialogue which can fully address the challenges and differences within the peace process, especially through the mechanisms that have been established in line with the peace agreement.

The local diplomat also acknowledged the efforts made by political parties in preparing for elections which will take place in 2022. Vietnam therefore desires the Colombian Government and related parties to create favourable conditions for election organisations and participation, while calling upon the UN and the wider international community to support the Colombian Government in promoting peace, security, and development, he added.

Carlos Ruiz Massieu, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Colombia and Head of the United Nations Verification Mission in Colombia, applauded political, security and economic progresses in the South American country since the Peace Agreement was signed.

He, however, showed his concerns over increasing attacks and violence targeting veterans and socialists.
Carlos Ruiz Massieu called on the Colombian Government to continue promoting the political process and protecting the vulnerable groups, especially women and children, in conflict-affected areas.

Participants reaffirmed their support for activities of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia and the country’s government during the peace and national reconciliation process.

During the course of the UNSC’s debate on the same day to discuss the ongoing situation in the Western Sahara, Ambassador Quy reaffirmed Vietnamese support for the settlement of the Western Sahara issue via peace talks between relevant parties on the basis of international law and resolutions of the UN Security Council.

The Vietnamese diplomat therefore underlined the need to find a fair, lasting, and acceptable solution for parties which guarantees self-determination for the people of Western Sahara, whilst also being consistent with the principles and purposes of the UN Charter for peace, co-operation, and development in the region.

He also hailed the role of the UN and other stakeholders, including the African Union (AU), for conciliating, preventing conflicts, and building confidence to resolve the issue.

Ambassador Quy urged all relevant parties to restrain and avoid actions which could lead to an escalation of tensions, whilst encouraging a return to negotiations as soon as possible, with the UN playing the role of intermediary.

The Ambassador went on to share some of the difficulties facing people in Western Sahara, especially in the context of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, indicating that priority should be given to ensuring that humanitarian activities are not impeded upon.

It can be viewed as imperative to swiftly appoint an envoy of the UN Secretary-General to Western Sahara in order to continue implementing negotiation results achieved in 2019, the local diplomat stated.

Reports presented during the course of the debate indicate that recent years has seen the Western Sahara situation continue to witness hostile activities and disrespect for both the 1991 ceasefire and the Military Agreement No.1 between relevant parties.