Havana, November 14 (RHC)-- World leaders have welcomed the new peace deal signed over the weekend in Havana by the government of Colombian president Juan Manuel Santos and the country's largest guerrilla group –the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP).

In Latin America, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro wrote on his twitter account: “November 12th will go down in history as Peace Day in both, Colombia and Venezuela,” given that also on that date a historic agreement was reached between the Venezuelan government and the opposition to continue dialogue.

In Brazil, the foreign ministry issued a communique, expressing satisfaction over the new peace deal between the Colombian government and FARC-EP.

The Secretary general of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) Ernesto Samper also celebrated the new peace agreement signed in Havana and congratulated both the Colombian government and FARC-EP. He said UNASUR is willing and ready to accompany the Colombian nation in implementing the new deal.

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet expressed hope that the new deal bring a lasting peace, and said Colombia can always count on Chile.

The Foreign Ministry of Paraguay also issued a communique welcoming the new Colombia peace deal.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon highlighted the role played by the parties involved during peace negotiations in Havana. The UN chief said the re-negotiation of the agreement was further evidence of tolerance and collective commitment to peace. He congratulated both the Colombian government and the FARC for honoring the bilateral ceasefire.

The European Union, through its High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, described the new deal as promising and encouraging. 

The foreign affairs ministers of Germany, France and Spain also welcomed the news and praised the commitment of both, the Colombian government and FARC to peace.