51999IP0055

B4-0055, 0063, 0074, 0085 and 0102/99

Resolution on Colombia

The European Parliament,

- having regard to its many resolutions on the human rights situation in Colombia,

A. mindful of the Colombian people's commitment to peace,

B. welcoming the new President Pastrana's attempt to begin a political dialogue between the new Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on 7 January 1999 at San Vicente del Caguán,

C. concerned at the extremely serious situation in Colombia as regards human rights,

D. whereas paramilitary groups continue to murder peasants and whereas, over the last few days, over 100 people have been killed,

1. Congratulates President Pastrana on his clear determination to promote a dialogue designed to bring about peace;

2. Welcomes the opening of the dialogue and expresses its firm support for the peace process;

3. Encourages the Colombian authorities and the FARC to continue their efforts to pursue a dialogue and continue the search for a peaceful and democratic solution to Colombia's instability;

4. Insists on respect for human rights as an essential precondition for the establishment of a legal framework which will protect all the people of Colombia and create the trust which is needed if the negotiations between the parties are to succeed;

5. Calls once again for the safety and protection of all persons and organisations working for human rights to be guaranteed;

6. Remembers all the victims of the violence and calls for those held captive to be released;

7. Calls on the Colombian Government to continue and intensify its activities with a view to breaking up the paramilitary groups which are still active, as called for on 11 January 1999 by the Colombian office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights;

8. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Council, the Commission, the Colombian Government and the UN Commission on Human Rights.