Brussels, 01/07/2004 (Agence Europe) - In a statement, the Presidency of the EU has confirmed that the European Union is prepared to support any negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia, and underlines the need "for a credible and global peace strategy". In this context, it welcomes the talks started between the government and the paramilitary organisation "Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia", about its disarmament and demobilisation. However, the EU deplores "continuing acts of violence and infringements of international humanitarian law by the paramilitary groups, in violation of their self-declared cease-fire". It remains "seriously concerned by the gravity of the human rights and humanitarian law situation in Colombia". It believes that access to justice and reparations for victims should "feature highly among priorities". It calls upon the government to abstain from any declaration which could endanger human rights defenders.