Sinn Féin’s spokesperson on Foreign Affairs, Seán Crowe TD, has reacted with deep disquiet to the Colombian President’s announcement that he will end the ceasefire with FARC rebels on 31 October.

Deputy Seán Crowe said:

“Many people around the world were shocked and saddened when the Colombian peace process was rejected by a very small margin in the referendum on Sunday 2 October. However, it was clear that the people of Colombia didn’t want to restart a war that has dragged on for 52 years and that peace negotiations needed to restart. Confidence needs to be restored in the peace process so that it can achieve a lasting peace.

“President Santos’ statement that the ceasefire will end on 31 October is extremely worrying and FARC units that were expecting to demobilise are now taking up secure positions. Further conflict in Colombia will only widen the deep rooted inequalities in the country. Dialogue and inclusive negotiations is clearly the best way forward.”

“On Wednesday tens of thousands of supporters of the peace deal demonstrated and marched in several cities in Colombia to demand the peace agreement is implemented and acted on.

“I am calling on President Santos to ensure that the Colombian Army abides by the ceasefire agreement after 31 October and that peace negotiations with the FARC are urgently restarted and intensified in Havana.”

ENDS