Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he will continue to support the peace process in Colombia and not allow some elements wreck the efforts being made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4660/13]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I strongly support the Colombian peace process and hope that the negotiations underway will bring an end to the long conflict that has caused much suffering. I recently led the Irish delegation at the EU-CELAC (Community of Latin American and Caribbean countries) Summit in Chile and I availed of the opportunity to meet with Colombia's President Santos and Foreign Minister Holguín. We had a very useful discussion on a range of issues including Colombia’s peace process, trade, human rights and other matters.

I assured President Santos of the Government's support for Colombia's peace process, and commended efforts to provide the people of Colombia with the peace and stability that they deserve. President Santos expressed his appreciation for our support. He added that he is very aware of our own peace process, saying that the Colombian process has already incorporated some useful lessons from it. I said that we stand ready within available means to share our experiences, if invited to do so by the parties to the process. I told President Santos that Ireland understands very well the challenges as well as the opportunities represented by a peace process and I expressed the hope that a successful outcome can be reached in the talks underway.