Vol. 567 No. 1
219 Mr. F. McGrath asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the political and military situation has deteriorated in Colombia; and if he will encourage President Uribe to involve himself with the guerrillas to develop a peace process. [13392/03]
Following the serious setback for peace in Colombia represented by the killings on 5 May of eight hostages held by FARC, EU countries agreed that the Greek Presidency should issue the following statement on 7 May. It reflects the Government's position:
The EU member States present their deep condolences to the families of the Governor of Antioquia, Dr. Guillermo Gaviria Correa, of the Peace Advisor and former Minister of Defence, Dr. Gilberto Echeverri Mejia, and of all the victims of the murders which took place on 5 May in the Department of Antioquia.
The EU member States condemn with a sense of distress these atrocious murders and express their hope that all possible efforts will be made to safeguard those persons who remain kidnapped, respecting the supreme value of human life. In this regard the EU emphasises that hostage taking is a crime recognised as an act of terrorism and calls for the liberation of all hostages without preconditions.
The EU strongly believes, above all at this time, that it is necessary to avoid the further escalation of violence and that every effort should be made to start up again as soon as possible the concrete search for a humanitarian agreement and for a negotiated political solution to the conflict.
The EU reiterates its full support for democracy in Colombia and for the active engagement of the Government of President Uribe in seeking to establish the rule of law throughout the country, including the fight against terrorism.
