After a half-century of combat that spilled blood across this South American nation, Colombians have embarked on a new, but difficult path to settle their political differences with the signing of a historic peace accord between the government and leftist rebels. The first test after Monday's signing is a weekend referendum in which voters are being asked to ratify or reject the deal. If it passes, as expected, Colombia will move on to the thornier and still uncertain task of reconciliation. The stiff domestic opposition, which will make implementation even tougher, contrasts with almost universal acclaim abroad for the accord. For all of the challenges ahead, though, many Colombians who thought peace would never come were carried away with emotion.

Source: Fox News September 27, 2016 03:56 UTC