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October 3, 2016

Colombian Voters Narrowly Reject FARC Peace Deal in Stunning Upset
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In Colombia, voters have rejected a peace agreement between the
government and FARC rebels in a shocking turn of events that threatens
to prolong the nation's 52-year-old civil war. The peace deal lost by a
margin of 49.8 to 50.2 percent. It was a stunning upset for a referendum
that was expected to pass overwhelmingly. In Havana, where peace talks
have taken place over the past four years, FARC leader Rodrigo Londoņo
promised his movement would continue to work toward peace.

Rodrigo Londoņo: "The FARC maintains its willingness for peace and
reiterates its position to use only words as weapons to work toward the
future. To the Colombian people, who dream of peace, you can count on
us. Peace will win out."

President Santos sent his negotiating team back to Havana for talks and
said a ceasefire with the FARC would remain in effect. Many of those
voting "no" objected to the peace deal's offer of amnesty, limited
immunity from prosecution, and reduced sentences granted to FARC rebels.
We'll have more on Sunday's historic "no" vote on Colombia's peace
agreement after headlines.
Topics:Colombia

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