§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with his US counterparts concerning financial assistance for Plan Colombia. [118973]
§ Mr. BattleUK officials keep in close contact with their US counterparts on all aspects of foreign affairs, including the peace process in Colombia. During President Pastrana's visit to the UK on 13 April, we discussed ways in which the international community might assist. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs suggested the UK could take the lead in hosting an international gathering of officials and technical experts, including those from North America and Europe, to discuss the details of Plan Colombia in the next two months.
§ Dr. TongeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent discussions he has had with the Colombian Government concerning UK assistance for(a) social and economic aspects of Plan Colombia and (b) military assistance for Plan Colombia. [118972]
§ Mr. BattleWe had a friendly and productive discussion with President Pastrana on 13 April about all aspects of Plan Colombia. We discussed the ways in which the international community could be of assistance, and focused in particular on the need for alternative development, the fight against drugs, and institution building.