UN mission to monitor Colombia peace deal with FARC

The UN Security Council has approved a political mission to monitor the implementation of a peace deal between the Colombian government and the rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), following a joint request by the parties.

The resolution was passed unanimously on Monday, sending a strong signal that a March deadline to reach a final peace agreement could be within reach.

The resolution establishes a political mission for 12 months, and the council can consider an extension if asked by the two parties.

It calls on UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to make recommendations on the size and operational details of the monitoring mission, which will serve as the international component of a three-party mechanism to monitor compliance by both sides of the ceasefire.

The unarmed mission, which was established for an initial period of 12 months, will be "responsible for the monitoring and verification of the laying down of arms" and the upholding of a "bilateral ceasefire and cessation of hostilities."...
 [aljazeera.com]
25/1/16