Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees
Tuesday, 1 June 2021
Joint Oireachtas Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade, and Defence
2016 Peace Agreement in Colombia: Discussion
Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)
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I thank the ambassador. As I do not see any members offering, I will bring matters to a conclusion by once again acknowledging the ambassador's presence and the earlier presence of Mr. Archila Peñalosa. I acknowledge his work and wish him well in ensuring that the national dialogue can get under way. I understand that he has gone straight to a meeting in that regard. I thank the ambassador for keeping in contact with us. Once again, I reiterate the solidarity of Ireland and indeed this committee for the peace process in Colombia, acknowledging the serious social, economic and political challenges that are currently being grappled with. I acknowledge in particular what Ms Cortés Ortiz said about the rule of law and ensuring that every effort is made to reduce tension and to reject the use of violence. If investigations are under way regarding the disproportionate use of force, they should continue to achieve the objective of justice. I trust, having regard to the interest shown in the Colombian peace process and indeed more recent protests and events in Colombia, that there will be further opportunities for this committee to engage with Ms Cortés Ortiz. In the meantime, I welcome the documentation that she has furnished us with from time to time. I suggest that we have another meeting in the early autumn. I thank the ambassador.