MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

EU supports Colombian peace efforts, but?

The European Union will continue aiding the Colombian government in its efforts to achieve peace and full democracy, but will remain “very vigilant” regarding methods employed in the fight against the politically motivated violence that has wracked the nation for over four decades.

EU foreign affairs official, Spain's Eneko Landaburu, interviewed by the Spanish press said that the bloc's support for Colombia does not signify a "blank check" for President Alvaro Uribe administration. "We're going to help this country escape the trauma of violence" he said.

Mr. Landaburu gave a positive appraisal of the situation during last week's Cartagena meeting of Colombian officials and representatives of the G-24, which comprises 30 countries and international institutions providing assistance to the Andean nation.

The meeting reviewed progress made since a June 2003 gathering of the G24 in London, where participants pledged aid for Colombia's efforts to end civil war, bolster democracy and cope with the humanitarian crisis resulting from the chronic conflict, mainly in the form of refugees.

"It has been a very useful meeting that has allowed us to take stock of the peace process and democratic consolidation in this country" stressed Mr. Landaburu.

On the positive side, Mr. Landaburu noted a reduction in violence against civilians in Colombia, especially kidnappings and massacres and a greater overall feeling of security in daily life. On the less positive side the continued lack of a clear, stable and balanced legal framework for the demobilizing rightist paramilitaries was highlighted.

But in his address to the G24 meeting President Uribe described the delicate balance needed, between preventing "war crimes impunity" and punishments to former combatants so severe that they make demobilization an unattractive option.