Insecurity for Colombia after convincing 'NO' vote

Colombia is heading into an uncertain period now the population has rejected a peace treaty with the FARC in a referendum. The agreement between the government and the communist rebel movement was signed last week, but had to be approved through a referendum among the population before it would be put into action. 50.24% voted against the agreement, a difference of only 63,000 votes compared to the YES voters.

The agreement was to end the 50 year conflict in the country. The NO camp also supports peace, but wants to see a few of the points in the agreement adjusted. There is a strong antipathy against the rebel movement among large parts of population. In the eyes of the no-voters the rebels are getting off too easily.

Where it will go from here is unclear. The Colombian president Santos said they would respect the results, but will continue to work on the peace treaty. "We have to decide what path to take that leads to peace," the President said in a response. The leaders of FARC also say they will continue to work towards a peaceful solution. For now it doesn't seem like the guerillas will take up arms right away.

Source: Wall Street Journal, BBC