Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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70. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the degree to which the international community continues to remain engaged with and supportive of the peace process in Colombia; the extent to which dialogue remains ongoing between the parties there and the international community; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8586/14]

Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)
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I strongly support the Colombian peace process and hope that the negotiations underway will bring an end to the long conflict there which has caused much suffering.

During the course of 2013, negotiators reached agreement on the land reform and political participation elements of their agenda. Discussions are now focused on the theme of seeking a solution to the problem of illicit drugs. I welcome indications from the parties to the peace talks of progress under this agenda item.

The peace process is also supported by the European Union and the wider international community. The European Union has made clear its readiness to provide support for activities in Colombia that promote peace, truth, justice, reparation and reconciliation. Ireland fully supports this approach.

In November 2013, the Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon also welcomed progress achieved and wished the delegations further success in reaching agreement on the remaining items on their agenda.

Ireland will continue to follow closely developments on the Colombian peace process, and to support a negotiated solution to the conflict in Colombia.