The United States congratulates Colombia for holding peaceful and democratic presidential elections, said U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey Bartos, U.S. Representative for U.N. Management and Reform. He noted record voter turnout in the June 21 second round, with 63 percent of the eligible 41 million voters casting their ballots.
The United States also congratulated President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella on his victory. “We look forward to working with him and his team to advance our shared priorities, including supporting national efforts to advance peace and security for all Colombians,” said Ambassador Bartos.
While election day was peaceful, there were political violence and threats throughout the electoral cycle, including the assassination of Senator Miguel Uribe. There is no place for political violence or meddling with the democratically expressed will of the Colombian people, stressed Ambassador Bartos. “Any threats to impede the democratic process and peaceful, timely, and smooth transition of power are unacceptable.”
The United States remains deeply concerned about instability, violence, and illegal drug cultivation and production in Colombia. The violence and drug trafficking perpetrated by terrorist organizations and illegal armed groups threaten the safety of Colombians, the broader region, and Americans.
From April 24-26, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, dissident terrorists unleashed a wave of violence against civilians, using improvised explosive devices, vehicle-borne explosives, and attack drones, leaving at least 21 dead. The United States condemned the attack.
“Eradicating coca cultivation and cocaine production is essential to preventing illegal armed groups from terrorizing Colombia and the region,” stated Ambassador Bartos. The United States condemns all those who undermine peace through narcotrafficking and terrorism and looks forward to close cooperation with the De la Espriella government on these priorities.
Colombia continues to contend with the expanding presence of armed groups and illicit economies, including intensified violence, forced confinement, mass displacement, and the forced recruitment of children in conflict.
“Establishing the conditions for long-term security will require Colombia to dedicate resources to establishing state presence in conflict zones including police, prosecutors, and judges, as well as infrastructure and access to markets for legitimate economic opportunities,” Ambassador Bartos said.
The United States is committed to peace and justice in Colombia, and its relationship with the Colombian people and their institutions is strong and enduring. Ambassador Bartos urged the Colombian government “to prioritize comprehensive and expeditious implementation of its commitments under the Peace Accord, especially those related to security and infrastructure investment, as part of the permanent solution to Colombian narcoterrorism and insecurity.”