Washington:
The United States on Wednesday hailed a major stride made toward a peace deal in Colombia's civil war, the longest running in all of Latin America.
"The announcements made today at the peace talks in Havana represent historic progress toward a final peace agreement to end more than 50 years of armed conflict," Secretary of State John Kerry said. "Peace is now ever closer for the Colombian people and millions of conflict victims."
Kerry voiced hope that the deal would be ironed out swiftly.
"We are hopeful the parties will soon conclude a final agreement to end this terrible war. The Colombian people deserve a just and durable peace, and this will be their victory," the top US diplomat added.
Earlier in Havana, Santos said his government and Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia rebels will sign a definitive peace deal within six months - a major breakthrough.
Santos and FARC leader Timoleon "Timochenko" Jimenez presided over a ceremony where the government and rebel leaders signed a deal on justice for crimes committed during the conflict, which had been the key issue blocking progress in the negotiations.
Santos made a surprise trip to Havana, where the talks have been taking place, for the signing ceremony - the first time he has appeared at the negotiations he set in motion and has staked his presidency on successfully concluding.
Cuba is one of the countries working as peace facilitators; the talks in the Cuban capital Havana, which began in November 2012, had stalled over the thorny question of whether guerrillas will face prison for kidnappings, use of child soldiers, cocaine trafficking and other crimes.