The agreement, which saw a ceasefire signed in June, still needs to be approved by a majority of Colombians in a referendum set for October 2.
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Although polls show approval is likely, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia is deeply unpopular and many voters may prefer a scenario that would allo.
FARC’s chief negotiator Ivan Marquez asked the worldwide community to support Colombians in their efforts to re-establish peace.
Colombia’s government and leftist FARC fighters have finalized a deal that should put an end to war and open a path to a peaceful future.
“The termination of armed confrontation signifies, most importantly, the end of the enormous suffering the conflict has caused”, a joint statement from FARC and the government reads.
In Colombia’s capital of Bogota, people gathered in a plaza to watch on giant screen the agreement being announced by negotiators in Havana who have been working around the clock in recent days to hammer out the final sensitive details left to end the four years of talks.
The conflict had seen an estimated 220,000 people killed and displaced more than five million.
For years the peace talks between Santos and FARC leaders in Havana had been divisive. “We’re on the road to peace”, speculation grew that an announcement could come as soon as Wednesday evening, according to the Associated Press. In this regard, the High Commissioner for Peace, Sergio Jaramillo, said the guerrilla members should participate in a democracy, to campaign and convince the Colombians of their ideas, and to ensure that a life insurance is assured with this transition.
U.S. President Barack Obama congratulated Colombia on the deal on Thursday and promised U.S. support for implementing it.
Mario Valencia, Director of Christian Aid partner Cedetrabajo said: “All Colombians should support and give their backing to the peace process”.
Describing the peace accord as an “historic moment” Dixon said the people in Colombia are now “living with great hopes” but warns that “the real work (on building a lasting peace) now has to start”.
The head of the government delegation, Humberto de la Calle said the war is over and that it will be a new beginning for a more inclusive society. The cease-fire will take effect a midnight Monday, Santos said.
Thursday’s message says the US will stand with Colombians as they take steps to ensure a “just and lasting peace”.
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If Colombia votes yes in the plebiscite, this means Santos and FARC leader “Timochenko” will sign the agreement after which the FARC immediately will begin their demobilization and disarmament under the supervision of the United Nations.
