Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos Wins Nobel Peace Prize

Guillermo Legaria/AFP/Getty Images(OSLO, Norway) — Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos was awarded the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize Friday. He was given the honor for his efforts working to end the country’s civil war that lasted more than 50 years.

President Santos’ role in the nation’s cease-fire is central to his winning of the award. He initiated negotiations between the Colombian government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) guerillas to halt violence.

The country voted against the peace accord put forth by Santos in a referendum.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee states that while the majority of the country voted against the peace agreement, Santos has helped bring the conflict much closer to an end.

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