COLOMBIA, GUERRILLA GROUP SIGN CEASE-FIRE

Colombia’s government and the country’s last remaining major rebel group signed a bilateral cease-fire Monday ahead of Pope Francis’ visit this week, an agreement seen as a significant step toward negotiating a permanent peace deal.

The deal struck in Quito, Ecuador, where talks with the National Liberation Army, or ELN, have been taking place since February, takes effect Oct. 1. It runs through Jan. 12 and can be renewed if both sides agree.

Under the cease-fire, the rebels agree to suspend attacks on infrastructure, kidnappings and recruitment of minors. In exchange, the government has vowed to boost protection for social leaders who have recently come under attack and develop a program that would provide humanitarian aid to rebels, among other measures.