NEGOTIATORS from the Colombian government and the Farc liberation movement signed a new peace deal in Havana at the weekend to end more than five decades of armed conflict.

Unlike the previous peace agreement, which was narrowly defeated in a referendum, the latest deal is likely to be sent straight to congress for ratification.

“Peace continues its unstoppable march,” said Farc commander and lead negotiator Ivan Marquez.

The deal for a “stable and durable peace” will be a powerful tool in democratisation and ensuring rights are respected, he said, citing wide participation in the process and numerous demonstrations and coalitions formed in support of peace.

The agreement must have popular backing to have legitimacy, he said, pointing out that it champions the rights of the LGBT community, women, indigenous people and farmers.

Mr Marquez stressed that the revolutionary armed forces’ transition to politics will only come under certain conditions outlined in the new deal and that “the only path that remains is its implementation.”

Government lead negotiator Humberto de la Calle said that the peace process allowed Colombia to be “witnesses to a deep exercise in dialogue,” describing the gruelling process of negotiation as a victory for democracy.

“There is no more time to lose,” he said, expressing certainty that the agreement represents a “broader peace.”

The agreement addresses inequality, gender and sexual equality, justice for all in the courts with foreign experts’ help and farmers’ dignity, said Mr de la Calle.

LGBT community representatives had travelled to Havana to make sure that their demands were heard.