UN General Assembly
2006

This year the presidential and congressional elections, held on two separate dates under a high threat of terrorism, were nonetheless among the most peaceful in many decades. All political groupings enjoyed effective guarantees, regardless of their level of support for or opposition to the Government. Under democratic security, Colombia has elected mayors, governors and members of Congress of all political colours. Security has contained terrorism in order to give democracy free expression. There is still much to be done in the area of security, and a definitive peace is not yet within sight, but progress is undeniable. The effective protection of Colombians translates into the reduction in the number of homicides, kidnappings, acts of terrorism, crimes and threats against journalists and trade union leaders. All governors and mayors exercise their powers in their own jurisdictions, overcoming the nightmare of exile that many were subjected to as a result of terrorist actions that were not countered by the State. To guarantee the sustainability of security over time, our citizens must give it credibility. Our task is to