Peace negotiations are complex, delicate processes and are vulnerable to many challenges.
The long term objective of consolidated peace negotiations should not be limited
to a cessation of hostilities but should rather focus on addressing the causes of conflict as
well as on political, economic and social reconstruction. For peace to be sustainable there
must be reconciliation between both victims and offenders and whole communities.
Reconciliation should be at the heart of such processes. Reconciliation is not a single act
or declaration of forgiveness and forgetfulness. Reconciliation is a long, slow process and
should focus on ascertaining the truth, ensuring justice, provide for reparations and aim
at healing individuals and communities that have been engaged in and suffer from the
impact of violent conflict.