Colombian rebels set permanent cease-fire

HAVANA — The commander of Colombia’s biggest rebel movement said Sunday its fighters will permanently cease hostilities with the government beginning with the first minute of Monday, as a result of their peace accord ending one of the world’s longest-running conflicts.

Rodrigo Londono, leader of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, made the announcement in Havana, where the two sides negotiated for four years before announcing the peace deal Wednesday.

“Never again will parents be burying their sons and daughters killed in the war,” Londono said.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos announced Friday that his military would cease attacks on the FARC beginning Monday. Voters will have a chance to approve the deal in a referendum scheduled for Oct. 2.