§ 27. Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what discussions she has held with her ministerial colleagues in other European countries concerning the plan by the Colombian Government to tackle the drugs trade; and if she will make a statement. [147665]
§ Clare ShortPlan Colombia sets out the Colombian Government's proposals for tackling violence, social and economic inequalities, abuse of human rights, drug cultivation and trafficking.
My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary discussed the plan with the Spanish Foreign Minister on 3 July. My right hon. Friend the Minister of State, Cabinet Office attended a meeting in Madrid on 7 July on behalf of the UK when representatives of European and other countries discussed the issue with members of the Colombian Government. I have not discussed Plan Colombia with European colleagues.
The European Union has pledged assistance of 105 million euro over the period 2000–06 of which the UK share will be about £ 18 million. It has made clear that 604W this is not a contribution to Plan Colombia but a package targeted towards support for human rights, long-term economic and social development and an end to violence.