WRITTEN QUESTION E-1672/02

by Rodi Kratsa-Tsagaropoulou (PPE-DE) to the Council

(12 June 2002)

Subject: EU Colombia relations Release of presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt

The continuing climate of uncertainty resulting from the peace process in Colombia being broken off and the kidnapping of senators and other politicians that of presidential candidate Ingrid Betancourt being a prime example is having an extremely detrimental impact on the functioning of democracy and respect for human rights in the country.

Recently, in its resolution of 14 March 2002, the European Parliament adopted a position on this issue, condemning these events and calling on the European institutions to take measures to combat the deadlock. What initiatives does the Council intend to take to this end and what policy will it adopt towards the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC-EP), in collaboration with the new president? Does it intend to act as mediator in an attempt to achieve the resumption of negotiations and to break the deadlock in the country, and will it take immediate steps to obtain the release of Ingrid Betancourt?

Reply

(19 December 2002)

1. The Council has repeatedly reiterated its rejection and condemnation of the practice of kidnapping, extortion and other crimes committed by armed groups in Colombia and has made repeated appeals for respect for International Humanitarian Law and the protection of the civilian population.

2. Last December, in response to the repeated human rights violations the Council decided to, for the time being, not issue new visas or residence permits to the members of the armed groups in Colombia. This was a political decision which aimed to leave the necessary room for manoeuvre to EU Member States participating in the Group of Facilitators (dialogue with the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (FARC) and the Group of Friends (dialogue with the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN)). In its declaration of February the Council also announced that it reserves the right to change its policy towards the armed groups.

3. Last June, the Council decided to include the FARC and the UAC (Unidades de Autodefensa de Colombia) in the EU list of terrorist organisations in the framework of its policy to fight terrorism.

4. On the occasion of the election of Dr Alvaro Uribe as President of Colombia on 26 May the Council expressed its congratulations to him. The Council considered that his election was proof of the Colombians' firm support for and confidence in him personally and his plan for the country's future.

5. The Council also expressed its conviction that the new President of Colombia, on the firm basis of the rule of law and full compliance with human rights and fundamental freedoms, would be able to meet in full the aspirations for peace and prosperity of all its people.

6. The Council also reaffirmed its support to the quest for a negotiated solution to the conflict in which Colombia is embroiled. The Council reiterated its determination to stand by the Colombian people and their Government in their efforts to secure justice, social advancement and the reconciliation of all Colombians, and in their struggle against terrorism, impunity and violations of human rights and international humanitarian law.

7. The Council will continue to follow events in Colombia and the initiatives taken by Dr Uribe last August.