Bogota, March 9 (teleSUR-RHC)-- Thousands of Colombians were joined by President Juan Manuel Santos in a mass march in defense of the country’s peace negotiations between the government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia on Sunday.

The March For Life drew demonstrators from Cali, Medellin, Barranquilla, Bucaramanga, Pereira and Bogota, in a protest organized by the capital's former mayor, Antanas Mockus.

“It's great to march for causes that unite us, and life is a beautiful and important cause,” said President Santos, who also marched in Bogota accompanied by his family and former political rival Mockus.

The Colombian president told reporters: “Part of this march is also for women. Because women are those who give us life and for that reason, what a lovely and happy coincidence that it might be International Women's Day and the Day of the March for Life.”

Despite fears that the day would be hampered by far-right supporters of ex president Alvaro Uribe, who do not believe in the Colombian peace process, the demonstrations across the country were peaceful.

Peace negotiations with the rebel group Armed Revolutionary Forces of Colombia began in 2012 by Santos have made huge strides into ending violence in the country, that has been plagued by more than 50 years of conflict.

Significant steps towards peace include a unilateral cease-fire by the FARC. Most recently, Colombia's military and the FARC have agreed on a plan to remove land mines, officials in Bogota announced Saturday.