Seán Crowe (Dublin South West, Sinn Fein)
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291. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the peace proposal in Colombia was narrowly rejected in a referendum; his plans for his Department to continue to assist the peace process; and if he has discussed the issue with his Colombian counterpart. [29598/16]

Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the current situation in Colombia and the recent vote - by a very narrow margin - against the Peace Agreement negotiated between the Government of Colombia and the FARC guerrilla movement.

As we know from our own experience here in Ireland, peace processes are complex, challenging and can suffer unexpected setbacks. It is my belief that the narrow rejection by the Colombian electorate of the agreement does not signify a rejection of peace. In fact, many of the areas of the country most-affected by the conflict voted decisively in favour of the agreement.

I therefore urge all parties in Colombia to remain committed to the peace process and focused on their ultimate objective - bringing peace to their country and improving the lives of present and future generations of Colombians. I am pleased to see that the parties have begun a process of consultation in order to identify how the process might be re-started. The role of the European Union’s Special Envoy for the peace process, the former Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Eamon Gilmore, is of particular importance at this difficult time.

I warmly welcome the announcement of October 7 that President Santos has been awarded with the Nobel Peace Prize. This honour is testament to his courage in seeking to bring a peaceful solution to the conflict. It should encourage all of those engaged in the process to continue to strive for peace, justice and reconciliation in Colombia.

I had a very fruitful discussion with my Colombian counterpart María Holguín on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 20, immediately before the signing of the peace agreement and the plebiscite, in which I made clear Ireland’s strong commitment to supporting the peace process. As the Deputy will be aware, we have actively aided the talks process itself through the funding of technical assistance, as well as providing access to lessons from the peace process in Northern Ireland.

In the aftermath of the plebiscite result, it is important that the international community rally around Colombia. Our Ambassador to Colombia, Sonja Hyland, was present for the signing of the peace agreement and continues to engage proactively with the Colombian authorities, and in particular with the Ministry of Post Conflict, making clear Ireland’s intentions to remain fully committed to supporting the Colombian peace process in spite of this setback.

My officials have also participated in discussions on Colombia at the EU level in the week since the plebiscite, and Ireland has been to the fore in encouraging the EU to maintain a positive approach.