Byrne Applauds Progress on Colombia Peace Agreement

Congressman Bradley Byrne (R-AL) took to the floor of the House of Representatives this morning to applaud progress on the historic peace process in Colombia.

Over the last 52 years, Colombia has been involved in an armed conflict between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Columbia (FARC), but the government and the FARC are on the verge of a peace agreement.

Byrne traveled to Colombia last year with the House Armed Services Committee to learn more about the peace process and relations between the United States and Colombia.

A transcript of Congressman Byrne’s remarks can be found below.

Byrne said: “Mr. Speaker, I rise today to applaud and encourage the ongoing peace process in Colombia.

“Over the last 52 years, Colombia has witnessed an armed conflict between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC.

“The conflict has taken a serious toll on the country. 220,000 people have been killed and more than 6.8 million people have been forced from their homes. The fighting has been especially difficult for the rural areas of the country.

“But a new day is on the horizon for the people of Colombia. The country is on the verge of a historic peace agreement with the FARC. 

“In fact, the government and the FARC signed a ceasefire agreement on June 23rd. This was seen as one of the few remaining roadblocks to a peace agreement.

“With all that is going on in the world today, it would be easy to miss the important progress taking place in Colombia. The peace process isn’t garnering the media attention that some other foreign affairs events are, but it is going to have just as significant an impact on global affairs.

“Last year, I had the opportunity to travel to Colombia with the Armed Services Committee and my colleague from Arizona, Mr. Gallego.

“It didn’t take long for me to realize that Colombia is a beautiful and fascinating country, and I was very impressed with the hospitality of the Colombian people. It also became clear during my trip that the majority of the Colombian people want things to be better in their country, and they are committed to the peace process.

“Mr. Speaker, Colombia is our closest and strongest ally in Latin America, so the peace process is very important not only to Colombia but also to the United States. Their future opportunities are also ours.

“Colombia has a growing economy with immense potential based on their abundant natural resources and a culture that values hard work. A more stable Colombia will allow the country to further expand their economy, which will be a benefit to us right here at home.

“At a time when there are so many foreign policy challenges around the globe, Colombia is a rare success story. The country was literally on the verge of becoming a failed state, but now they are a leader in the region.

“The United States maintains significant bilateral relations and has provided important diplomatic assistance to the Colombian government, but we have done so without becoming overly involved in their local affairs.

“So, Mr. Speaker, I want to emphasize my strong support for the Colombian peace process and call on every member of this House to also lend their support to that process. We need to encourage our neighbors in South America.

“I want to commend President Santos for his leadership and his commitment to a lasting peace.

“I also want to highlight the important work of Ambassador Pinzon. I appreciate his friendship and applaud his work to strengthen the partnership between the United States and Colombia.

“Ultimately, only the people of Colombia can reach the lasting peace agreement that restores justice and order to their country.

“But the United States can, and we must, stand ready to assist the Colombian government as they finalize this process and then as they move their country out of conflict and into a period of stability and lasting peace.

“I yield back.”