Colombian Government And FARC Rebels Sign Revised Peace Deal

 

The 52-year long guerrilla war between the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has finally come to an end on Saturday after more than four years of negotiations. Colombia’s government and the FARC have signed a revised peace agreement for the second time in six weeks, since the first peace deal was rejected in a referendum in October.

“We have reached a new final accord to end the armed conflict that integrates changes, precisions and proposals suggested by the most diverse sectors of society,” announced the Colombian government and FARC in a joint statement.

The peace agreement includes new reparations for victims of the half a century long war, which will come from FARC’s funds and assets. The agreement also outlines the rehabilitation of FARC members and the chance for FARC members with minor offenses to still form a political party.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has expressed high hopes for the current peace deal, announcing that it will build “broader, deeper peace.”

Santos began talks with the FARC rebels in 2012 in a tireless pursuit of peace. He was rewarded with the Nobel Peace Prize last month for his efforts towards creating “far-reaching” and “respectful” national dialogue, despite the rejection of the first peace deal by a margin of less than 1 percent. Santos immediately tried to salvage the peace deal, and undertook another round of intense negotiations until the new peace agreement was reached.

However according to the Colombian government’s chief negotiator, Humberto de la Calle, like the previous peace deal, support for the new peace deal will not be unanimous. The guerrilla war has claimed over 220,000 lives and left millions of civilians displaced. For this reason, angered Colombian voters want to see FARC rebels punished and made more accountable for their war crimes. It is, however, unclear if the new peace deal will be voted on in another referendum, as the deal will require the approval of the parliament instead.

“After 52 years of war, no peace agreement can satisfy everyone in every detail,” said US Secretary of State, John Kerry, who congratulated Colombia for reaching the new peace deal and expressed the support of the US.

“This agreement constitutes an important step forward on Colombia’s path to a just and durable peace. The United States, in coordination with the Government of Colombia, will continue to support full implementation of the final peace agreement.”

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