South America
“Today is the last day of the war” in Colombia
With this set, the FARC guerrilla announced the ceasefire. More than 50 years prevailed in the civil war in the Central American country. Now the way is open for a conclusion of peace.
Colombian street art expresses the population’s desire for peace – in Spanish “Paz” –
After year-long negotiations have agreed Colombian government and FARC guerrillas on a “definitive ceasefire”. Both parties had agreed that the rebels will lay down their weapons, and ensures their safety, informed the negotiators in the Cuban capital of Havana.
On Twitter, representatives of the FARC, stated: “on behalf of the countless victims. No Dead and no terror more for the Fatherland. Today is the last day of the war.” Carlos Lozada, from the management body of the rebels wrote on the short message service: “We have fulfilled our duty.”
Concrete Plans For The Future
This Thursday Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and FARC commander Rodrigo Londoño, alias “Timochenko to” the armistice agreement signing. To be the ceremony, in Havana, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and representatives of the intermediary powers, Cuba and Norway. According to media reports, the contract contains a specific timetable for the Weapons, as well as a roadmap for the integration of the former guerrillas into civil society.
FARC-commander Marcos Calarca and government representative Marcela Duran announce the good news
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Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said in Berlin that both sides had achieved a decisive breakthrough on the path to peace. He stressed: “We are in Colombia on his way to peace and reconciliation more vigorously to the side.” The SPD politician highlighted the role of the German special Tom king to instruct, support for well over a year, the peace process in Colombia, and this will continue to do. In addition, Germany will support the justice of Colombia in the work of the conflict and more aid for the victims, and internally displaced persons afford informed Steinmeier.
Peace At Last?
The ceasefire is a prerequisite for a peace Treaty, the two sides have been negotiating since the end of 2012. The negotiators agreed in the talks already on a transitional justice and agricultural development programs in the strongholds of the rebels, and the political participation of the guerrillas. President Santos said last, that the negotiations could wait until the 20 Colombian independence day. July to be completed.
The civil war between left-wing guerrilla groups, right-wing paramilitaries and the Colombian military began in the early 1960s. Since then, about 220,000 people died in the South American country. Millions were displaced from their homes.
nin/haz (dpa, afp)