§ Mr. Alan DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will list the visits to Colombia made by his Department's Ministers since 1 January 1999. [38492]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe following Foreign Office Ministers have visited Colombia since 1 January 1999.
- 10–13 September 2000—the then Minister of State, my hon. Friend the Member for Leeds, West (Mr. Battle),
- 15–18 October 2001—me.
§ Mr. Alan DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Government have had with the Government of the United States in the past year regarding the peace process in Colombia. [38493]
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§ Mr. MacShaneWe have continuing discussions with the US Administration about developments in Colombia, including the peace process and other related issues. Dr. Mo Mowlam discussed Colombia during her visit to Washington in March 2001, as I did when I visited in August 2001.
§ Mr. Alan DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on the recent breaking-off of the peace negotiations in Colombia. [38494]
§ Mr. MacShaneThe UK fully understand President Pastrana's decision to suspend dialogue with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC). We support this and the decision President Pastrana has taken to terminate the demilitarised zone. I made this clear in my press statement of 21 February and this is a key point in the EU statement of 22 February available on www.fco.gov.uk.
We continue to believe that only peaceful dialogue can bring an end to the internal conflict in Colombia and shall continue to urge the Colombian Government to seek a solution through peaceful means.