Brussels, 28/01/2004 (Agence Europe) - In its conclusions adopted on Monday, the External Relations Council expressed its unreserved support for the efforts of the Colombian government to reform the country's institutions to establish a democratic State, respecting human rights and international humanitarian law, and ensuring the safety and well-being of the citizens. However, it declared itself "deeply concerned by the continuing gravity of the human rights and humanitarian law situation", and insisted the government remedy it, by applying the recommendations of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Council offered its support to the country in resolving the problems of displaced persons and those living in communities cut off from the world. It called upon the government to provide protection for local and international NGOs and civil society organisations, currently working in unsafe conditions. The Council also stressed the need for constructive dialogue between the government and civil society. Welcoming the meeting on this subject in London in July 2003, it called for the implementation of the declaration adopted, and called upon the Member States and the European Commission further to develop co-operation programmes with Colombia, especially in the field of human rights. Council noted progress in economic and political reforms to tackle existing imbalances and promote sustainable development. It expressed support for the government's fight against terrorism and drugs trafficking, calling for international law to be respected. It reaffirmed its support of the President's commitment to reach a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict, and insists that illegal armed groups cease hostilities and start talking. The Council believes that the forthcoming liberation of all hostages and persons abducted by these groups is a "positive sign of their intentions to commit to a peaceful path". The EU is prepared to help find a peaceful resolution to the conflict, and the Council insisted Colombia take effective measures against impunity and collusion which are rife among paramilitary groups, and called for the demobilisation and rehabilitation of illegal armed groups, in line with international law.