Live
Audio Only
According to Colombian government estimates Sunday, a “significant” amount of international funds would be needed to implement the recently-signed agreement on transitional justice with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).
“Peace is closer than ever in the past five decades, but there will be expenses,” stated Minister of Internal Revenue Mauricio Cardenas, adding he will issue a precise amount within six months.
Cardenas said he hoped the international community will demonstrate support for the agreement, as it will generate benefits abroad, including a potential reduction of drug-trafficking.
RELATED: Colombia’s Peace Process Explained
Colombian has already spent about 1 percent of its Gross Domestic Product (GDP) according to the minister, mostly on reparations to victims of the violence.
Last Wednesday, the Colombian government and the guerrilla group reached a historic deal on truth, justice and reparations, ruling out impunity for state actors or rebel fighters in case of serious crimes, but planning alternative prison sentences in cases where the accused cooperate with judicial institutions.
The move was the fourth partial agreement reached since negotiations began in 2012 in Havana, Cuba. The other three agreements include comprehensive land reform, political participation of the insurgent groups and the issue of illicit drugs.
Newsletter
