§ Mrs. Curtis-ThomasTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the political situation in Colombia. [129077]
§ Mr. RammellAfter over a year in power, President Uribe continues to receive much support from the Colombian people. His government is still battling guerrilla and paramilitary groups which commit appalling human rights violations funded by illegal drug production, extortion and kidnapping. We support his efforts to tackle these problems and to develop a fully functioning democratic state throughout Colombia based on social and economic reform and sustainable economic development. At the same time we underline the need in so doing to respect the rule of law, human rights and the safety and welfare of its citizens. There is still much to do.