Colombia Government and Farc Rebels Sign Peace Agreement

The Colombian government and the Farc rebel group have signed a historic peace accord, putting an end to more than five decades of conflict.

    Both sides have agreed to work together to address social exclusion, to deliver justice to the victims of the conflict and build a stable and enduring peace, the (BBC) reported. The announcement was made in the Cuban capital, Havana, where peace talks were launched in November 2012. 

    The conflict has killed an estimated 220,000 people and displaced millions. "The Colombian government and the Farc announce that we have reached a final, full and definitive accord," they said in a joint statement. 

    The head of the Colombian delegation Humberto de la Calle and the chief Farc negotiator Ivan Marquez signed the agreement at a ceremony in Cuba. The two sides had signed a bilateral ceasefire in June, paving the way for a final agreement. 

    Under the terms of the agreement, the Farc will give up its armed struggle and join the legal political process. The Farc has agreed to renounce its armed struggle to join the legal political process. 

    Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos said that the deal will need to be approved by Colombians in a popular vote, which will take place on October 2. "It will be the most important election of our lives," he said on national television shortly after the deal was signed.

Source: QNA