DHAKA: The Colombian government and the Farc rebels have signed a historic ceasefire deal, bringing them closer to ending more than five decades of conflict.

The agreement is expected to pave the way for a full peace deal, reports the BBC.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos and Farc leader Timochenko signed the treaty at a ceremony in Havana.

The longest-running insurgency in the Western Hemisphere has killed an estimated 220,000 people and displaced almost seven million.

The deal does not mark the start of a ceasefire, which will only begin with the signing of a final accord, expected within weeks.

BDST: 0134 HRS, JUN 24, 2016
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