17/01/2018 (Agence Europe) – Faced with the refusal of the European Right to adopt a resolution in plenary on the situation in Colombia (see EUROPE 11940), the S&D, GUE/NGL and Greens/EFA groups in Parliament have adopted a joint statement that welcomes the laying down of arms by former FARC guerrillas, who have since converted to a political party. The statement also deplores the growing number of killings of social leaders and peasants due to the gap left by the departure of FARC from certain areas, of which other armed and drug-trafficking groups are taking advantage. The statement furthermore expresses concern at the length of time the reinsertion process of former fighters is taking, as well as delays in land reform intended to develop crops to replace coca. At the end of 2017, only 5% of agricultural areas dedicated to the production of coca had been converted. The government's goal for eradication was 50%. (MB)