Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 September 2013
105. Deputy Finian McGrath asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will support the peace talks in Cuba on the conflict in Colombia; if he will provide an update on the talks taking place; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37690/13]
View answerI strongly support the Colombian peace process and hope that ongoing negotiations will bring an end to the long conflict there which has caused much suffering. I welcome progress made to date, including the agreement reached last May on the land reform element of the peace negotiations. I wish the parties success in reaching agreement on the other important items remaining on their agenda so that a final comprehensive peace agreement can be secured. The European Union continues to follow closely the progress of negotiations and has declared its readiness to provide support for activities that promote peace, truth, justice reparation and reconciliation. Ireland supports fully this approach, and stands ready within available means to share our experiences, if invited to do so by the parties to the process. Ireland will continue to follow closely developments on the talks underway, and to support a negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia.
