News / Colombia

Colombian govt., FARC rebels reach agreement on reparations

Tuesday, 15 December 2015 8:18 AM [ Last Update: Tuesday, 15 December 2015 8:19 AM ]

The picture shows a group of representatives for the victims of the armed conflict in Colombia being greeted upon their arrival in Havana, Cuba, to attend the formal presentation of an agreement on justice and reparation for victims, December 14, 2015. (Photo by AFP)

The Colombian government and the rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have reached an agreement on reparations and justice for the victims of the decades-long conflict in the South American country.

On Tuesday, negotiators from both sides confirmed the agreement, which marks a key breakthrough in the ongoing peace talks to end 50 years of war between the two sides.

The exact details of the accord will be released late on Tuesday. Negotiators from the two sides said they would hold a signing ceremony for victims and their families.

According to a Twitter post from the Colombian government delegation involved in the talks, the latest accord with the FARC rebels is “one more step toward the end of the conflict” in Colombia.

Rebel negotiator Marcos Calarca said that “this is cause for happiness, satisfaction and certainty that we are advancing with firm, secure steps toward a final accord.”

The latest breakthrough comes as part of a landmark agreement to de-escalate fighting in the country signed by the two sides back in September.

Cuban President Raul Castro (C) embraces Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos (L) and the head of the FARC rebel group, Timoleon Jimenez aka Timochenko (R), during a meeting in Havana, September 23, 2015. (Photo by AFP)

Under the agreement, both sides agreed to establish special courts to try former fighters, including guerrillas, government soldiers and members of right-wing paramilitary groups.

The negotiations have been hosted by Cuba; and a final peace accord is hoped by the end of March.

Bogota and FARC have been at war with each other since 1964. The conflict has killed more than 220,000 people and uprooted six million others from their homes.

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