Colombia peace deal with Farc is hailed as new model for ending conflicts
Colombia peace deal with Farc is hailed as new model for ending conflicts
Guerrillas likely to lay down their arms within 60 days after reparations accord with Santos
Ed Vulliamy
Saturday 26 September 2015 18.51 EDT
Details have emerged of a peace deal between the Colombian government and leftwing Farc guerrillas that could herald the end of the world’s longest-running war – and provide a new model for reconciling bitter enemies.
Background papers seen by the Observer in the wake of the announcement of a deal in Havana reveal complex arrangements over reparations for victims, and an offer to guerrillas to enter democratic politics or face justice.
The conflict dates back to the outbreak of civil war in 1948 – with its latest phase, between Farc and the state, igniting in 1964. The war led to the world’s highest proportional internal displacement of people.
The papers detail the deal under which each side overcame its apparently insurmountable differences over how a transitional justice process would work. Both sides said in March that this issue was the hardest to negotiate. Talks nearly broke down within a month over arrangements for trials and a reconciliation framework. Now, however, only one of six elements in the talks remains to be finalised: decommissioning and disarmament. Last week’s announcement affirms that, once the now likely final accord is signed, Farc will lay down its arms within 60 days.
More:
http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/sep/26/colombia-farc-peace-santos