Paul Kehoe (Wexford, Fine Gael)
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Question 33: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the extent to which the European Union will be assisting in the Colombian peace process; if this matter was discussed at the General Affairs and External Relations Council; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33295/05]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick East, Labour)
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Question 94: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs the Government's position on the killing of a person (details supplied). [33505/05]

Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)
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Question 100: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs his views on the reported torture and killing of a person (details supplied); his further views on the hunger strike of trade union leaders in the city of Cartegena; the death threats and intimidation of legal personnel seeking to defend community activists, and the inappropriateness of EU aid assisting Plan Colombia which is contributing to such actions. [33504/05]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 33, 94 and 100 together.

At its most recent meeting, on 7 November 2005, the General Affairs and External Relations Council discussed the need for intensified support for the peace process in Colombia in line with the conclusions on Colombia it adopted on 3 October 2005. It was agreed in the conclusions adopted at the meeting on 3 October that the recently adopted Justice and Peace Law, if effectively and transparently implemented, will make a positive contribution to the search for peace in Colombia. It is important that the Colombian Government is now encouraged and supported by the international community in its efforts to implement the Justice and Peace Law effectively. The law, which was adopted through a lengthy democratic political process, provides an overall legal framework for demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of illegal armed groups into society.

The Justice and Peace Law is an important development in the implementation of Plan Colombia, the Colombian Government's overall strategy to bring peace to Colombia. That Government has the support of the Union in its search for a negotiated solution to the internal armed conflict. EU funding for the peace process in Colombia is focused on helping end violence and human rights violations, relieving the social impact of conflict and the establishment of initiatives which encourage the broad participation of citizens in the search for peace. In light of Council discussions, the Commission will be developing further proposals to support the peace process. The situation in Colombia is undoubtedly complex and involves difficult choices and compromises. Nonetheless, the overall view of the Union is that it should remain positively engaged with the peace process.

The Council conclusions adopted on 3 October also welcomed the continued involvement of the Organisation of American States, OAS, in supporting the demobilisation of paramilitary groups in Colombia. Ireland has committed €390,000 over a three year period to the OAS mission to support and verify the peace process in Colombia. Sweden and The Netherlands also provide funding to the OAS mission. Its mandate is to provide comprehensive support to the Colombian peace process with a focus both on the demobilisation process and on the strengthening of institutions concerned with the rule of law.

I am aware of the deaths of community leader Diego Gutierrez and lawyer Luis Ignacio Aristizábel Botero referred to in the questions. Mr. Gutierrez was allegedly killed by right-wing paramilitaries. Mr. Aristizábel Botero, who was investigating drug trafficking and paramilitary activity, was reportedly shot by a group of armed men in Medellín. It is disturbing that, despite the peace process in Colombia which has seen many thousands hand in their weapons, there continue to be credible allegations that paramilitaries remain involved in this type of action.

Ireland was actively involved in negotiating the chairperson's statement on the situation of human rights in Colombia which was adopted on 22 April 2005 at the 61st session of the Commission on Human Rights in Geneva. The statement deplored the fact that human rights defenders, including trade unionists and judicial officers, continue to be particularly affected by the armed conflict, and to be the victims of homicides and threats by the illegal armed groups. The statement also urged that dialogue and negotiations be pursued between the Government of Colombia and all illegal armed groups, aimed at overcoming the situation of violence stemming from the conflict and at reaching a lasting peace.

The hunger strike of a number of trade unionists in the city of Cartagena concerns a union protest over the decision of the Colombian Government to sell some of its stock in a petrol refinery, apparently in order to raise funding for its further development. I understand that the parties involved are now engaged in a dialogue aimed at resolving their differences.