(VNF) - Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos has said he would donate USD 950,000 in Nobel Peace Prize money to the victims of Colombia’s half-century conflict.

President Santos (left) and the Farc leader known as Timochenko shook hands in a historic ceremony in Cartagena in September. (Photo: AFP)

Santos made the announcement during a visit with his family and top government officials to an impoverished town in western Colombia where dozens of people were killed while stranded in a church during an intense battle between leftist rebels and far-right militias.

At least 260,000 people have been killed and more than six million internally displaced in Colombia.

"Last night, I met with my family and we have decided to donate those eight million Swedish kronor (USD 950,000) to the victims," said Mr Santos.

He made the announcement in the city of Bojaya, in the north-western region of Choco, after taking part in a religious ceremony for people affected by the conflict.

He won the 2016 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts to end the 52-year war with Marxist rebels, a surprise choice after Colombians voted against the accord in a referendum.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee announced that it was awarding the Peace Prize to Santos in support of the Colombian leader’s decision to invite all parties to participate in a broad national dialogue so that the peace process between the government and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) would not die, despite the recent “No” referendum vote by the Colombian people on the pact.

Despite the rejection by voters, Mr. Santos vowed to continue with talks with the rebels.

President Santos will receive the prize on December 10^th in Oslo, Norway./.

( Compiled by VNF )