International News

BOGOTA, (MILLAT+APP/AFP): Colombia’s government on Wednesday
prepared to push through a revised peace accord to end its half-century conflict with FARC rebels, fanning resentment by political opponents who vowed to resist it.
Under pressure for fear that a fragile ceasefire could break down,
the government and the leftist FARC said they will sign the new deal Thursday and immediately take it to congress.
The accord aims to end Latin America’s last major armed conflict. But
opponents say it is too soft on the leftist FARC force, blamed for countless
killings and kidnappings.
Government officials were meeting to put finishing touches on the
document, which is expected to be debated next week and then passed, since President Juan Manuel Santos and his allies hold a majority in the legislature.
A recent wave of alleged assassinations in conflict areas has raised
pressure to seal a peace deal fast.
“There is no time to lose,” Santos said.
“Lives have been lost and many more are in danger.”
But an aftermath of discord and uncertainty looked likely as opponents promised to keep resisting the deal.
“We invite citizens to persist in the struggle for the future of
democracy,” said the Democratic Center Party led by conservative ex-president Alvaro Uribe.
“In the coming days, we will examine various actions to call the people into the streets and democratic spaces,” it said in a statement.