President Obama praised a deal between the government of Colombia and Marxist FARC rebels to end one of the world’s longest wars Thursday as proof of the value of diplomacy.
“We have witnessed, once again, that a sustained commitment to diplomacy and reconciliation can overcome even the most entrenched conflicts,” Mr. Obama said of the peace agreement.
Under the agreement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) will lay down arms and enter civilian life, ending the five-decade conflict that killed more than 220,000 people.
The nation will vote on the deal on Oct. 2.
Mr. Obama said in a statement that the accord is “a tribute to the hard work and cooperation of countless Colombian leaders and citizens — across parties and administrations — who painstakingly laid the groundwork for this milestone.” He thanked the Cuban government for hosting the talks.
“The United States is proud to stand with the Colombian people as they continue on the path to lasting peace and prosperity,” the president said.
• Dave Boyer can be reached at dboyer@washingtontimes.com.
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