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Farc rebels lay down arms for truce

COLOMBIAN left-wing rebel group Farc began a ceasefire yesterday morning as part of the historic peace deal reached with the government after four years of talks in Cuba.

Farc leader Timoleon Jimenez issued the order late on Sunday for the group’s fighters to lay down their arms.
President Manuel Santos had said on Friday that the army would do the same.

“May the rebellion never be necessary again,” said Mr Jimenez. “Long live social justice, Colombia and peace!”
Government sources have said that the two leaders will officially sign the agreement in late September before Colombians vote on peace in a referendum on October 2.

Before it is signed, Farc will hold a national conference before the “transformation of the Farc into a legal political movement.”

Despite the historic compromise, a right-wing fringe has condemned the peace deal, led by former president Alvaro Uribe. Mr Uribe is notorious for his links to death squads and right-wing paramilitaries.

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