Colombian President, Juan Manuel Santos, is set to receive the 2017 Tipperary International Peace Award.
The announcement was made today by Tipperary Peace Convention’s Honorary Secretary, Mr. Martin Quinn.
Today’s announcement recognises the efforts of President Santos in bringing peace to Colombia and for the historic agreement that put an end to more than 50 years of fighting by the FARC guerrilla army.
President Santos is about to step down as President of Colombia after 8 years in Office – but spent much of his tenure in talks, which have resulted in some 10,000 former fighters disarm and begin to enter civilian life – as well as 10 former FARC leaders taking their seats in Congress.
An initial peace deal with FARC was rejected in a referendum, but President Santos persevered with the negotiations which ensured the drafting and signing of a new deal that was subsequently ratified by Congress.
According to the Tipperary Peace Convention President Santos leaves Colombia a much better and more peaceful country than when he assumed office.
Responding to the news of his selection, President Santos said he was “honoured to be able to accept the Tipperary International Peace Award on behalf of all the victims of the conflict and the many that have worked tirelessly to bring about peace in Colombia.”
The Tipperary International Peace Award will be presented to President Santos at a ceremony in Tipperary later this year.
Previous recipients of the Tipperary International Peace Award include former South African President the late Nelson Mandela, Live Aid organiser Bob Geldof, Secretary General of the UN Ban-ki Moon, US Secretary of State, John Kerry and last year’s recipients the Syria Civil Defence White Helmets.
