Colombia (Hansard, 17 September 2004)

§ Mr. Hancock
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will end UK military aid to Colombia; and if he will make a statement. [189751]

§ Mr. Ingram
No. British military assistance to Colombia is focused primarily on Explosive Ordinance Disposal training, and provision of British military education. It complements Colombian efforts to reduce the number of deaths, both civilian and military, from explosive devices, and introduces Colombian military personnel to British defence concepts in key areas such as Rules of Engagement and democratic and accountable control of the armed forces. In view of the clear humanitarian benefits this British military assistance offers to the Colombian people, we do not intend to suspend it.

§ Mr. Hancock
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what British military assistance has been received by the Colombian Army 2nd Division. [189752]

§ Mr. Ingram
The Colombian Army 2nd Division has received no specific British military assistance.