§ Mr. Alan DuncanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions the Government have had with the Government of Colombia during 2002 about the peace process there. [38491]
§ Mr. MacShaneWe have continuing dialogue with the Colombian Government about the peace process. I have written to the Colombian Ambassador about President Pastrana's recent decision to terminate the demilitarised zone in Colombia and spoken to Vice President Gustavo Bell expressing HMG's support for action taken to combat violence against civilians by guerillas and paramilitary groups.
We have invited Colombian presidential candidates to the UK to exchange views on the situation in Colombia. Dr. Horacio Serpa has already visited.