The mechanisms include special courts, an amnesty in the case of lesser political crimes, and alternative forms of punishment for rebels willing to confess to their misdeeds.
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The two leaders agreed that the guerrillas would relinquish their weapons within 60 days of the deal being signed, set to take place on 23 March 2016. Some FARC units have formed an alliance with drug cartels, exchanging protection for money.
Negotiators in Havana had already reached agreements on major issues such as drug enforcement, political participation and land reform.
Santos has announced a surprise trip Wednesday to Cuba for a key meeting with government peace negotiators trying to wrap up talks aimed at ending the country’s long-running conflict.
“I know it is very important for Colombians that the guilty parties recognize their crimes, and tell the truth about what happened,” he said, according to Telegraph.
In remarks after a joint statement was read at a convention center in the Cuban capital where talks have been held since November 2012, Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said that overcoming the hurdle opens the way to a comprehensive peace agreement. “Some want more peace, others want more justice,” Santos said in a speech Tuesday hinting at the advances.
Those sentenced after confession will serve between five and eight years during which time their movements will be restricted and they will carry out social work as reparation for victims. However, those who do not cooperate and are found guilty face up to 20 years in prison. “Peace is now ever closer for the Colombian people and millions of conflict victims”.
Still on the table for discussion are points such as a bilateral and definitive cease-fire, a review of the situation by the government of FARC prisoners and intensified government efforts to combat criminal organizations in the country. On Wednesday, however, those disagreements appeared resolved as both sides “finally agreed on a framework for investigating rights abuses, punishing guerrillas for their involvement in those crimes and offering compensation to victims”, the Wall Street Journal notes.
“We won’t fail. The time for peace has arrived.” Further cementing expectations of a deal, the FARC in July declared a unilateral cease fire and are working with Colombia’s military on a program to remove tens of thousands of rebel-planted land mines.
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“Please, we do not have the right to allow ourselves yet another failure on this path of peace and reconciliation”, the Argentine pontiff said in an address at the end of a Mass he celebrated in Havana’s Revolution Square on Sunday.
