Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
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Question 95: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs in view of the fact that the new Santos administration in Colombia has shown itself to be open to pursuing a peace process in Colombia if he will propose that the UN appoint a special adviser on Colombia with experience in peace processes in other parts of the world, in order to support and advise the Colombian Government in the development of a peace process. [9017/11]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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The Government of Colombia has repeatedly stated its determination to bring an end to violence in Colombia within the framework of the Justice and Peace Law, which provides an overall legal framework for the demobilisation, disarmament and reintegration of illegal armed groups into Colombian society. Since 2004, the Organization of American States (OAS) Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia has provided verification and advisory support to Colombia on this process and has supported peace efforts undertaken by Colombian institutions and communities. Ireland is fully supportive of efforts to bring a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Colombia, and to that end, has provided significant financial support to the OAS Mission to Support the Peace Process in Colombia, including a grant of €100,000 in May 2010. In order to succeed, a peace process in Colombia must tackle the various social and economic elements underlying the conflict. Our approach, and that of the UN and the EU, is to assist and influence the Colombian Government in a manner that results in economic and social development while progressively improving human rights standards.

In his inauguration speech on 7 August 2010, President Santos set out clearly the conditions for the opening of dialogue with illegal armed groups, including the FARC, namely the renunciation of the use of violence and terrorist acts; the unconditional release of all hostages, the release (and no further recruitment) of child-soldiers; and an end to the laying of antipersonnel mines. However, the FARC continue to carry out kidnappings and attacks, including the shooting dead of two Colombian soldiers as recently as 22 April.

In light of the developments I have outlined above, I do not consider it appropriate to seek the appointment of an UN official to advise the Government of Colombia on the development of a peace process in that country.

The Government will continue to monitor the situation in Colombia through our Embassy in Mexico City, which is accredited to Colombia, as well as in cooperation with our EU partners with resident diplomatic missions in that country.