Colombians march to demand Farc peace deal be revived Published duration 13 October 2016 Related Topics Nobel Prize

image copyright Reuters image caption Many marchers carried white flowers to symbolise peace

Thousands of Colombians have taken part in marches to demand that a peace deal signed by the government and Farc rebels be upheld.

In the capital, Bogota, families of victims were given white flowers by well-wishers to symbolise peace.

The agreement, reached after years of negotiation, was rejected by a slim majority in a national referendum earlier this month.

Campaigners for the "No" vote have demanded a series of changes.

Farc leader Timoleon Rodriguez, better known as Timochenko, said on Wednesday he was confident the deal could be revived although he said he would be reluctant to re-negotiate some elements of the accord.

In a show of support for the agreement, thousands of students, farmers and indigenous leaders congregated in front of congress in Bogota.

image copyright AFP image caption Thousands took part in the march in Bogota

"All Colombians must work on building peace," said Carmenza Pinto, 64, who was displaced by the war.

"We must strive for a better future and forgiveness is the best example we can give."

Speaking earlier, Timochenko said he had held several meetings with government negotiators in the Cuban capital, Havana, to try to find a way around the impasse.

He said he was confident the deal could be resuscitated.

'Good news soon'

"This is a conflict that has gone on for many years and opened deep wounds," he told Caracol Radio.

"We must join forces and together apply healing balm to the wounds. We will have good news soon."

However, he said he would be reluctant to re-negotiate one of the most contentious clauses which includes a provision for reduced jail terms for rebels who confess to human rights abuses.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was awarded the Nobel Peace prize for reaching the peace agreement.

He has said he will donate the prize money to help the victims of the conflict.

The Farc's 52-year fight

image copyright Reuters

1964: Set up as armed wing of Communist Party

2002: At its height, it had an army of 20,000 fighters controlling up to a third of the country. Senator Ingrid Betancourt was kidnapped and held for six years along with 14 other hostages

2008: The Farc suffers a series of defeats in its worst year

2012: Start of peace talks in Havana