Colombia & rebels reach a deal

HAVANA — Colombia’s government and the country’s biggest rebel group reached a deal Wednesday for ending a half-century of hostilities in one of the world’s longest-running armed conflicts.

The accord with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia still must be ratified by voters. Balloting is set for Oct. 2.

The announcement in Havana of a deal after four years of talks opens the possibility for Colombians to put behind them political bloodshed that has claimed more than 220,000 lives and driven more than 5 million people from their homes.

“I can die in peace because finally I’ll see my country without violence with a future for my children,” said Orlando Guevara, 57, crying as he watched the announcement on a giant TV screen in a plaza in Bogota with about 400 other people. Some in the crowd in the Colombian capital waved white flags, while others held up the national flag.

As soon as rebel leader Ivan Marquez finished his speech, the people at the plaza sang the national anthem and shouted, “Viva Colombia! Yes to Peace!”

The accord commits Colombia’s government to carrying out aggressive land reform, overhauling its anti-narcotics strategy and greatly expanding the state into traditionally neglected areas of the country.

But many sensitive details remain unknown as the joint statement read by the talks’ Cuban and Norwegian sponsors was intended more to celebrate the conclusion of talks than offer insights.