US to Remain Colombia’s Steadfast Partner After Final Peace Accord With FARC

Washington will remain Colombia's partner, John Kerry said commenting on a peace agreement between the South-American country's government and FARC guerrillas.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The United States will maintain its partnership with Colombia as the government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerrilla group implement a final peace accord, US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement on Thursday.

“The United States has been Colombia’s steadfast partner, through Administrations and Congresses led by both political parties, as the Colombian people defended their democracy,” Kerry stated. "We will remain Colombia’s partner as they continue to take steps to secure the just and lasting peace the Colombian people deserve."

Late on Wednesday, Colombia and FARC announced in a joint statement that they had secured a comprehensive peace agreement after nearly four years of negotiations.

The deal includes agreements on landmine removal, land reform, transitional justice and the end of illegal drug trafficking.

FARC was formed in 1964 as the military wing of Colombia's Communist Party.