HC Deb 17 April 2000 vol 348 c361W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Prime Minister (1) if Her Majesty's Government will discuss with other donor countries the Plan Colombia mechanisms for monitoring progress on human rights, including contact with Colombian non-governmental human rights organisations; [119450]

(2) if he raised human rights improvement during discussions on Plan Colombia with President Pastrana. [119449]

The Prime Minister

Following his talks with President Pastrana on 13 April, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs announced that the United Kingdom would be willing to convene a gathering of interested countries at official level to study the proposals in Plan Colombia in advance of the donors conference planned for July in Spain. Monitoring progress on human rights will be one of the areas discussed. During the talks on 13 April, President Pastrana reaffirmed his commitment to ensure respect for human rights.

Dr. Tonge

To ask the Prime Minister what recent discussions he has had with the President of Colombia concerning British assistance for Plan Colombia. [119050]

The Prime Minister

I met President Pastrana on 13 April. We exchanged views on a number of issues, including how the international community might help President Pastrana take forward the peace process in his country. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs announced that the United Kingdom was willing to convene a gathering of interested countries at official level to study the proposals in Plan Colombia in advance of the donors conference planned for July in Spain.

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