§ Harry CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what activities Her Majesty's Government have been involved with in Colombia in the last six months; and if he will make a statement. [9245]
§ Mr. MacShaneHMG continue to be at the forefront of international efforts to support the peace process in Colombia. This Government also support the Colombian Government's efforts to tackle the production and trafficking of illegal drugs. We also support practical measures to address the inter-connected problems of human rights and internal conflict. Earlier this month, I visited Colombia to discuss these and other issues with Colombian Government representatives, the Human Rights Ombudsman, members of non-governmental organisations, trade unions, peace activists, and representatives of the media and UK business community. In addition, I believe that more concerted international action needs to be taken to tackle the problems of illegal small arms, precursor chemicals and money laundering by the Colombian illegal armed groups. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office will host a series of meetings in London later this year and early next year on these themes606W in order to look at ways we can further assist the peace process, and reduce the ability of extremist groups to use violence for political ends.