HC Deb 14 December 2000 vol 359 cc225-6W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what meetings his Department has held with NGO's in Colombia to discuss the operation of Plan Colombia. [142315]

Mr. Battle

We hold frequent meetings with NGOs and human rights organisations to discuss Plan Colombia and the peace process more widely. I met a number of NGOs and peace organisations during my visit to Colombia in September, including representatives from Christian Aid, CODHES, Mandato Ciudadano por la Paz, Indepaz, Redepaz, No Mas, and also Padre Francisco de Roux and Monsignor Pedro Rubiano. NGOs participated in the London meeting on Colombia on 19 June, at our invitation, and the Madrid and Bogota Conferences on 7 July and 24 October respectively. We value all these contracts and will continue this substantial dialogue.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will publish the representations he has received concerning Plan Colombia; and if he will make a statement. [142314]

Mr. Battle

The UK Government have received a number of representations, both verbal and by correspondence, about Plan Colombia. These have been from MPs, NGOs and members of the public, but we also have a substantial and on-going dialogue with other Governments.

Plan Colombia sets out the Colombian Government's proposals for tackling the violence, social and economic inequalities, abuse of human rights, and drugs cultivation and trafficking. We have encouraged the Colombian Government to consult NGOs and civil society about the implementation of Plan Colombia. There are some welcome signs that this is happening. Economic Development Minister Ramirez Ocampo has held a series of meetings with NGOs and civil society groups about Plan Colombia and the peace process more widely, and we were pleased that the Colombian Government participated in the NGO sponsored Costa Rica meeting on 17 October. We hope this dialogue continues to strengthen.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what the total UK Government financial involvement in Plan Colombia is, broken down into EU funding and bilateral arrangements. [142313]

Mr. Battle

There is no UK Government financial involvement in Plan Colombia either bilaterally or through the EU. Assistance through the EU of 105 million euro will support human rights, long-term economic and social development, and an end to violence.