Brussels, 21/02/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday, the High Representative for Cfsp, Javier Solana condemned the kidnapping of the chair of the Peace Committee of the Colombian Senate, Jorge Geschem Turbay and "the apparent violation by Farc" of the status of the demilitarised zone, and said he understood the decision of President Pastrana who "was obliged, once more" to put an end to this status, following this "act of sabotage against the peace process" on the part of the rebels.
The President of the EU Council, Piqué is soon to meet the Colombian Foreign Minister, Soto, in Madrid. At the European Commission, the spokesman for Chris Patten also said he understood the decision taken by Mr. Pastrana and deplored the lack of willingness by Farc to participate in the pacification process. The Commission will continue to support that process, he said.