Kaine Statement On Appointment of U.S. Special Envoy To Colombia Peace Negotiations

Press Release

U.S. Senator Tim Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committee who is currently in Colombia on a Congressional delegation, released the following statement on the appointment of Bernie Aronson as U.S. Special Envoy to the ongoing Colombia-FARC peace negotiations in Havana, Cuba:

"Today I had the honor of meeting with President Santos as Secretary Kerry announced that the U.S. will appoint a Special Envoy to participate in the Colombia-FARC peace negotiations. Bernie Aronson is a veteran U.S. diplomat with significant experience in Central American peace negotiations who will no doubt be a valuable asset as the two parties strive to achieve a just and lasting peace. A successful end to the peace negotiations would enable Colombia to be at peace for the first time in decades and also serve as an example in other regions of conflict that diplomacy is preferable to war. I will do all I can to ensure we support these efforts in the Senate."

Kaine has been traveling across the region with Senator John Cornyn of Texas this week, including visits to Mexico and Honduras. In Colombia, Kaine is meeting with President Juan Manuel Santos and other government officials, business leaders, members of civil society, and U.S. military personnel.

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