I propose to take Questions Nos. 90, 91, 92 and 93 together.
The situation in Colombia is very complex. The Colombian Government has been involved in counter-insurgency operations against various guerilla groups for over 30 years. Colombia also suffers gravely from violence perpetrated by armed drug traffickers and narco-terrorists.
In December 1996, I wrote to Dr. Lemos Simmonds, Vice-President of Colombia and Ambassador to London, expressing my grave concern in respect of the activity of paramilitary groups. I asked Dr. Simmonds to inform me of the results of his government's investigation into acts of violence in the area. I received assurances from the Colombian Government that the issue and specifically the killings at the Marulanda Ranch would be investigated.
An agreement to establish an office in Bogota, under the auspices of the UN, to monitor human rights abuses and to offer technical assistance has been signed with the Government of Colombia. The office will be funded largely by the European Union and will be headed by a national of an EU member state, Spain. This indicates the degree of commitment which both the EU and the UN have to continue to address directly the question of human rights in Colombia and to press the Colombian Government to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms and to fully honour its commitments in that regard under the relevant international instruments and conventions.
Ireland as a member of the UN Commission on Human rights is concerned to ensure that proper attention is paid to the human rights situation in Colombia. This year, as in previous years, it is expected that the Chairman of the Commission on Human Rights will make a statement, on behalf of the Commission, detailing its concern at the human rights situation in Colombia, and measures necessary to redress this. Ireland will play a full part in seeking to ensure that recent developments are fully reflected in the Chairman's statement.
I will continue to monitor closely the situation in Colombia and to press the Colombian government to respect human rights.