Vol. 509 No. 6
72 Mr. Rabbitte asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the representations, if any, he has made to the Colombian Government regarding the human rights situation in that country having particular regard to the findings of the tribunal of inquiry into the deaths of seven people and the disappearance of 25 others at Barrancabermeja on 14 and 15 May 1999; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20878/99]
97 Mrs. Owen asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on whether the international community must do much more to support the legitimate Government of Columbia in its efforts to deal with private armies and drug barons. [20959/99]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 72 and 97 together.
The recent report of the International Tribunal of Opinion into the deaths and disappearances at Barrancabermeja, represents a most valuable contribution to the efforts to uphold human rights in Colombia. A member of the tribunal has briefed my Department on its findings, and I know that other EU partners have been similarly informed.
Human rights are at the centre of the peace plan launched by the President of Colombia, Mr. Andrés Pastrana. who addressed the European Parliament on Tuesday, 26 October to explain that plan and to seek European support. President Pastrana also met Commissioner Chris Patten and indicated that when the peace process had got properly under way he would spell out the details of the support Colombia would wish the European Union to provide.
I believe the European Union must be ready to respond positively to President Pastrana at that time. Indeed the entire international community must do more to help the legitimate, elected Government of Colombia to advance the peace process there, and to deal with the numerous tribulations which afflict that country, including the lethal activities of private armies and drugs barons. I understand that the UN General Secretary. Kofi Annan, is considering appointing a special envoy to Colombia.
The peace process was stalled for some time but, happily, talks resumed on Sunday 24 October. On the same day, millions of Colombians took part in marches all over the country in support of peace, and in protest against violence, kidnapping, extortion and drug-trafficking. As was demonstrated in last year's presidential elections, when there was a very high turnout, there is a groundswell of support for the peace process.
The people of Colombia have suffered too much from all sides. The violence of the left-wing insurgents in Colombia is matched by that of the right-wing paramilitaries, often associated with the official security forces. And both sides seem to be equally indifferent to the plight of the civilian population to whom no immunity is extended.
