§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps his Department is taking to ensure compliance by the Colombian Government with recommendations by the UN on human rights. [138944]
§ Mr. RammellThe issue of the implementation of UN recommendations was discussed at the London Meeting on International Support for Colombia which the UK hosted on 10 July this year. The Colombian Government pledged to implement these recommendations promptly and take effective action against impunity and collusion especially with the paramilitary groups. In my meeting with the Colombian Foreign Minister in New York in September, I underlined the importance we attached to this commitment. A working group of representatives of the governments who attended the London Meeting has been set up in Bogota to monitor and evaluate progress on implementation.
§ Mr. AllanTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions his officials have held with the Colombian Government on rates of voter abstention in(a) the Colombian referendum and (b) the municipal and departmental elections of 25 and 26 October. [138946]
§ Mr. RammellWe hold regular discussions with the Colombian authorities and others on a wide range of topics, including the outcomes of the recent referendum and the municipal and departmental elections.