Colombian gov't, FARC rebels set to sign historic ceasefire

Colombia's government and the FARC guerrilla force prepared early Thursday to sign a historic ceasefire agreement that will move the South American nation closer to the end of a half-century civil war.

After almost four years of talks in Havana, President Juan Manuel Santos' government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) reached an agreement on several key issues, including the terms to disarm the rebels once a peace accord is implemented.

Santos and top FARC commander Timoleon Jimenez will unveil the details of the ceasefire and disarmament agreement at a ceremony in Havana, Cuba, where the negotiations were held.

Santos is scheduled to land an hour before the ceremony, which is set to take place at noon local time (1700 GMT).

As part of the negotiation process, the two sides have reached agreements on agrarian reform and land redistribution, the guerrillas' transition to a political party or movement, reparations for victims of the fighting, the clearing away of mines and the search for missing persons.

In January, the two sides of the conflict requested the United Nations' (UN) participation in the post-peace process by monitoring adherence to the ceasefire and resolving any disputes that may emerge during the demobilization of at least 7,000 armed rebels.

The ceremony will be attended by Latin American leaders and top UN officials.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon is already in the Cuban capital to witness the event, as is Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose nation has accompanied the peace process since it began in November 2012.

Also expected is Chilean President Michelle Bachelet, whose country also accompanied the talks.

Colombia's conflict has killed more than 220,000 people and displaced millions since 1964. Endi