Colombians reject deal to end 52-year FARC rebel war
Colombians narrowly rejected a peace deal with Marxist guerrillas in a referendum on October 2, plunging the nation into uncertainty and dashing President Juan Manuel Santos' painstakingly negotiated plan to end the 52-year war.
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The surprise victory for the "no" camp poured cold water on international joy, from the White House to the Vatican, at what had seemed to be the end of the longest-running conflict in the Americas.
The "no" camp won by 50.21% to 49.78%. Voter turnout was only 37%, perhaps partly owing to torrential rain through the country.
Both sides in the war immediately sought to reassure the world they would try to revive their peace plan.
Santos, 65, said a ceasefire already negotiated would remain in place, that he would sit down on October 3 with the victorious "no" camp to discuss the way forward, and send his chief negotiator back to Cuba to meet with FARC rebel leaders.
"I will not give up, I will keep seeking peace until the last day of my term because that is the way to leave a better nation for our children," said Santos, who cannot seek re-election when his second term ends in August 2018.
