§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will set out the proposals contained in the Plan Colombia. [95287]
§ Mr. BattlePlan Colombia was presented at UNGA by President Pastrana. It is intended to highlight the Colombian Government's future strategy. The key proposals are:
- i) an economic strategy, using fiscal and financial austerity measures to re-establish Colombia's position in international markets;
- ii) a drugs strategy, aiming to reduce cultivation and distribution by half over six years. The strategy is to have full regard for human rights;
- iii) strategy for democracy and social development, focusing on human rights, reduction of judicial impunity, forced displacement of communities, alternative crops to drug cultivation, the environment and training of local leaders;
- iv) the peace strategy, with recognition of the role of civil society and the need for an effective presence of the army and police in all parts of Colombia;
- v) the role of the international community, which could participate in the peace process as mediator and verifier. The international community should also condemn terrorist acts and human rights violations.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the Colombian peace process. [95286]
§ Mr. BattleWe support the Colombian Government's efforts to bring peace and stability to Colombia. We hope that the latest round of peace talks, which are due to start again on 24 October, will lead Colombia towards a lasting solution to its internal conflict.