Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 20 Mar 2002

Vol. 550 No. 4

Written Answers. - Foreign Conflicts.

John Gormley

Question:

178 Mr. Gormley asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the steps he has taken to secure the release of a person (details supplied); if he has been touch with President Pastrana's Government on the issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9013/02]

Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Cowen)

Following the kidnapping by the FARC on 23 February of Ecological Party presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, the Spanish Presidency issued the following statement on behalf of the European Union:

"The European Union condemns in the strongest terms the kidnapping on 23 February by the FARC of Presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt, and demands her immediate release.

The European Union wishes to convey its solidarity to the family of Ms Betancourt, as well as to the Government and people of Colombia.

The European Union wishes to reiterate its full support for democracy in Colombia in the face of terrorist acts which attempt to disrupt the electoral campaign."

The kidnapping of Ms Betancourt had been preceded a few days previously by the kidnapping of Senator Jorge Eduardo Gechen Turbay, following which President Pastrana broke off talks with the FARC and ordered them to leave the clearance zone which had been ceded to them to facilitate the peace process.

The European Union stated its full understanding of the decision President Pastrana felt obliged to take and profoundly regretted FARC's lack of willingness seriously to advance the peace process as demonstrated by its grave provocations, which, together with the continuing violence by the paramilitaries of the AUC, has disappointed the hopes of the Colombian people. The EU renewed its urgent appeal for respect for international humanitarian law and the protection of the civilian population, while reiterating to the Colombian people the EU's support for any viable initiative to establish a genuine dialogue with a view to ending the conflict.

Notwithstanding the breakdown of the peace process, the EU's economic and social support for peace in Colombia remains in place and on 25 February 2002 in Bogota the Spanish Presidency and the Colombian Government signed an agreement to finance a peace laboratory programme in the Middle Magdalena region. The agreement was signed in the presence of the Jesuit priest and human rights defender, Fr. Francisco de Roux, who directs the foundation which will implement the programme. The EU will contribute €35 million, while Colombia's share is €7.4 million. The investment will finance a wide range of development projects to help give a better future to the ordinary people of Colombia.