Brussels, 18/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - In support of the efforts made by Colombian President Pastrana in view of rekindling the peace process with FARC-EP, the Spanish Presidency made the following statement on behalf of the European Union:
"The EU welcomes the efforts made by President Pastrana to reactivate the process of dialogue in accordance with the agreement reached at San Francisco de la Sombra, which establishes the need for a ceasefire and a cessation of hostilities, and condemns the commission of abductions, attacks on the civilian population, extortion and destruction of national infrastructure. The EU also wishes to show its appreciation of the work carried out by the United Nations and the group of facilitator countries, in particular by four members of the European Union, which has made it possible to restore the confidence needed in order to attempt to find a negotiated solution to the conflict. The international community has performed a very useful and constructive role during the negotiations and the EU will support its participation in future negotiations. The EU hopes that the talks under way will lead to concrete steps that demonstrate a desire on the part of the FARC-EP to move forward in earnest in the process, in accordance with the commitments entered into with the Government. The EU reiterates its willingness to maintain its support for democracy in Colombia and for the efforts made by President Pastrana to achieve peace as a State policy, in the framework of democratic institutions, the rule of law and respect for human rights. Lastly, the EU once more strongly condemns the practices of abduction, extortion and other crimes, which constitute a flagrant violation of human rights and of international humanitarian law, and accordingly emphasises the need for the FARC to embark upon a new phase, taking account of the firm resolve of the whole of Colombian society and of the international community."