Colombia's President Santos being sworn in for second term, seeking peace with rebels

Published January 08, 2015

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos is beginning a second term of office, promising to redouble his efforts to end a half-century war against Marxist rebels.

Santos narrowly defeated a conservative challenger to win another term by framing a June runoff as a choice between war and peace.

Analysts agree that negotiations launched in 2012 in Cuba offer the best chance in decades for striking a deal.

Still, a number of obstacles remain, including fierce opposition by former President Alvaro Uribe and frustration with the guerrillas' refusal to cease attacks.

The Constitutional Court on Wednesday ruled that rebels who committed atrocious war crimes can't hold office, casting doubt on whether senior commanders will be able to take part in politics after handing over their weapons.

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https://www.foxnews.com/world/colombias-president-santos-being-sworn-in-for-second-term-seeking-peace-with-rebels