Bogota, October 7, 2016 - In a joint statement from Havana, the Government of Colombia and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP) reaffirmed their commitment to the bilateral and definitive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities today, while also requesting the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to authorize the UN Mission in the country to continue coordinating the tripartite Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, particularly relating to the ceasefire.

The Monitoring and Verification Mechanism—with the participation of the government and the FARC-EP, coordinated by UN Mission in Colombia—will be responsible for monitoring and verifying that the parties will comply with a jointly defined protocol, particularly related to the ceasefire-related rules.

The request of the parties to the Secretary General and the Security Council seeks authorization for the UN Mission to exercise the functions of "monitoring, verification, resolution of differences, recommendations, reports and coordination of the Tripartite Monitoring and Verification Mechanism under [the UN Security Council] Resolution 2261 (2016) .”

The Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP also invited the countries contributing to the UN Mission in Colombia with unarmed observers to continue deploying their men and women, who will continue to have all the necessary safety guarantees.

The UN Secretary General commented on the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize 2016 to President Juan Manuel Santos: "This special recognition offers hope and encouragement necessary to Colombians."

“The results of the 2 October plebiscite should not divide the millions of Colombians who strive to build a peaceful country. This award says to them: you have come too far to turn back now.  The peace process should inspire our world.” Ban Ki-moon added.