| Follow us on:
|
![Despite the defeat of the referendum on the peace treaty, Santos said he would continue to work toward a peace initiative [Xinhua]](http://thebricspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/259316355_8-e1475915685593.jpg)
Despite the defeat of the referendum on the peace treaty, Santos said he would continue to work toward a peace initiative [Xinhua]
The Norwegian Nobel Committee awarded Santos the prestigious prize for his efforts to broker a peace deal with Colombia’s FARC rebels and end the 52-year uprising and civil war against the government.
He was chosen out of a candidate pool of 376 people. Santos said he would donate the prize of nearly $1 million dollars to the victims of the 52-year conflict.
Colombians last week rejected the peace deal in a referendum but Santos pledged to work on to ensure that fighting does not resume.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto took to Twitter and congratulated Santos.
Felicidades @JuanManSantos por la distinción del @NobelPrize, un reconocimiento a su liderazgo y compromiso con la paz en Colombia ????????????
— Enrique Peña Nieto (@EPN) October 7, 2016
During a joint press conference, both Ecuadoran and Peruvian presidents lauded their Colombian counterpart.
Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa said it was a win for the entire region.
FARC leader Timoleon Jimenez, who met and negotiated the peace deal with Santos, also praised the president for the Nobel Peace Prize win.
Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe, who fiercely campaigned against the peace deal ahead of the referendum, congratulated Santos on Friday.
The BRICS Post with inputs from Agencies
