Local view for "http://purl.org/linkedpolitics/eu/plenary/2001-01-31-Speech-3-130"
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"en.20010131.6.3-130"2
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"Mr President, some confusion has arisen over the current dramatic situation in Colombia. It might be useful to recall that just a few days after his election victory – which incidentally was the greatest and most significant victory by a Colombian President in recent years – President Pastrana met with the top leadership of the FARC, the largest and most long-standing guerrilla group in the Americas. It was the first time in thirty years of conflict that a President-elect came face to face with the leaders of a guerrilla movement on Colombian soil. Three weeks after his investiture, the leadership of the ELN, the second largest guerrilla group in the country and representatives of civil society reached an agreement in the German town of Mainz. Negotiating tables were set up, and a demilitarised zone the size of Switzerland was established under guerrilla control.
Unfortunately however, this whole period has been characterised by a conspicuous absence of peace. Furthermore, violence, murders, extortion, kidnaps and sabotage by left and right-wing armed groups have become more widespread than ever.
Combined with the widespread climate of violence the country is enduring this situation has given rise to considerable scepticism regarding resolution of the conflict. What can the European Union do, faced with such a situation? As stated by the Commission and the Council, the only possible way forward is to support a specific European Union response aimed at promoting the strengthening of institutions, respect for human rights, alternative development, humanitarian aid and social development.
Commissioner, Representative of the Council, let me put it to you: do you really believe that at this critical juncture Colombia can allow itself the luxury of foregoing the aid and resources being assembled thanks to international solidarity? An effort is clearly called for. It is also clear, Mr President, that moderation becomes reprehensible when it shies away from commitment. The European Union cannot and must not enter into any commitment other than a firm commitment to offer strong support for peace.
For peace to be possible, three conditions must be met: cessation of criminal violence, a return to the negotiating table on the part of the guerrillas – President Pastrana has issued an appeal for them to do so and we hope it will be heeded-, and a firm commitment by the government to ensure that all the players in the peace process – every single one of them – reap the benefits of peace, along with civil society. Mr President, I am convinced that generosity, realism, and bold and imaginative proposals are the way forward. Above all, good will is the key to a solution to the Colombian problem which the European Union is able to endorse, as the Council and Commission representatives have stated here today."@en1
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