UN chief "encouraged" by commitment of Colombian leaders to peace

Faced with the rejection of Colombia's peace deal between the government and FARC rebels, the UN Secretary-General said on Monday he was "encouraged" by the leaders' commitment to peace.

In Sunday's referendum, Colombian voters narrowly rejected the landmark peace accord signed last week, with 50.2 per cent voting against the deal.

It was signed between President Juan Manuel Santos and the FARC leader, Timoleon Jimenez, after almost four years of negotiations.

The UN chief Ban Ki-moon said the UN would immediately offer assistance to keep Colombia on the path to lasting peace.

"To support them I have urgently despatched my Special Representative Mr Jean Arnault to Havana, to continue with his consultations. In Cartagena, I witnessed a profound desire of the Colombian people to end the violence. I count on them to press ahead until they achieve secure and lasting peace."

President Santos said he would not resign, and vowed to continue working to keep the peace deal alive, together with the FARC leadership.

He said the bilateral ceasefire would remain in place, according to news reports.

SOURCE: UN Radio