Bradley Byrne calls signing of landmark Colombian peace accord a ‘huge victory’

The Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, better known as FARC, signed a historic peace agreement Monday, putting an end to a conflict which began in 1964.

Alabama 1st District U.S. Congressman Bradley Byrne, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, weighed in on the event, calling it a “huge victory.”

“The signing of the peace agreement is a huge victory for the people of Colombia and will allow the healing process to move forward,” said Byrne in a statement. “Colombia is a textbook example of how the United States can help promote peace and democracy through steady and focused diplomacy.”

Byrne has been a leading voice in Congress on issues relating to Colombia. He has visited the South American nation to learn more about the economic, military, and diplomatic relationship between the two countries. In July, he delivered a speech from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives in support of the peace process.

“Just because the agreement is signed, our efforts cannot and should not end. The United States must continue to stand with Colombia as they implement the agreement.”

 The peace agreement will now go before the people of Colombia for a vote of ratification Oct 2.