Michael Mullins (Fine Gael)
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I join colleagues in welcoming the delegation which has painted a pretty grim picture. It is always good, however, to hear from those who have been on the ground and seen what is happening in Colombia. I also acknowledge the contribution of Deputy Eric Byrne who accompanied the delegation.

Obviously, there are major problems. In this respect Deputy Seán Crowe referred to the level of wealth in Colombia. I am beginning to wonder if its wealth of natural resources is more of a hindrance than a help. It is certainly is contributing significantly to the human rights abuses and the atrocities to which the delegates have referred.

We were handed a letter today from Ambassador Osoria in London who referred to the opportunity to pursue the economic and social development of countries. The letter went on to point to Colombia's commitment to meet all of its international obligations under the treaties of which it is part. I am not sure what the timescale is for the signing of the agreement. Is there any possibility we could push for an independent assessment of the level of observance of these international obligations? If the report from the two Democratic Members of Congress, Mr. Miller and Mr. McGovern, is anything to go by, Colombia is falling well short of complying with its international obligations. While it has been accepted that the agreement will be signed at some stage, I would like us to proceed with great caution and push for an independent assessment of existing agreements to be made by the European Union before the agreement is formally signed. Given what we all know, the signing of the agreement would be premature.