(VOVworld) - Colombia's President Juan Manuel Santos has extended a ceasefire with FARC rebel group until the end of the year to give more time to efforts to salvage the peace deal rejected by voters.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos spoke at an event in Bogota, Colombia on October 7 (Photo: EPA/ VNA)

Mr. Santos said in a televised address that he was extending by two months the ceasefire with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia until December 31. He made the announcement after meeting with students who have been organizing demonstrations across the country to demand the accord be implemented immediately despite having been rejected in the referendum. Mr. Santos held open the possibility of a longer extension if necessary, but expressed his hope that all parties will reach a viable peace deal this year.