Brussels, 25/01/2002 (Agence Europe) - Following the agreement reached between the Colombian Government and the FARC-EP, the Spanish Presidency made the following Declaration on behalf of the European Union:
"The EU expresses its satisfaction at the signing on 20 January 2002 of the Consensus Schedule Agreement for the future Peace Process between the Government of Colombia and the FARC-EP. This opens a new period and defines the priority issues necessary to take the Process through the implementation of concrete acts of peace and verifiable deadlines. The EU stresses the importance of the deadline agreed of 7 April 2002 for a cease-fire and an end of hostilities. It considers of utmost priority the release of all hostages by the FARC-EP. The Union hopes that an immediate decrease in the intensity of the conflict and an end of human rights violations and of attacks against the civil population will create an atmosphere of trust to boost the negotiations and fulfil commitments already undertaken by the government of Colombia and the FARC-EP. The Union welcomes the contribution of the Special representative of the Secretary General of the United Nations and of the Group of Facilitators in reaching the Consensus Schedule Agreement. The Union will continue to support the efforts of the international community in promoting peace in Colombia".