Summary: August 8, 2002: Declaration by the Presidency, on behalf of the European Union, upon the inauguration of President Alvaro Uribe of Colombia (Brussels)
The European Union congratulates His Excellency Mr. Alvaro Uribe on his inauguration as constitutional President of the Republic of Colombia and offers its most sincere good wishes for his success in the high office to which he has been elected, for his personal well-being and for that of the Colombian people.
The new Government of Colombia is facing substantial political, economic and social challenges. The European Union and its Member States will support President Uribe in his efforts to meet these challenges. In this respect the EU welcomes the commitment of the new Government to the principles of democracy, respect for human rights and the rule of law as well as its intentions to strengthen the institutions of the state and to work for increased security and to fight against terrorism and drug
trafficking.
The EU condemns vigorously all violations of human rights and of international humanitarian law in Colombia and calls upon all parties to work for a negotiated solution to the conflict as the only way to bring about a lasting peace. The EU also denounces vigorously the campaign of intimidation against the mayors and the town councillors, which represents an unacceptable offence against the local liberties and the running of the democratic institutions.
Against this background the EU attaches great importance to President Uribe's commitment to seek a negotiated solution and would welcome discussions between the Government of Colombia and the illegal armed groups once the necessary conditions are met. The EU welcomes the invitation to the UN to play a central role as facilitator.
The EU will fully support the efforts of the new Government to end impunity and recalls the importance of bringing the full force of the law to bear on those responsible for the crimes committed.
The EU considers that special attention must be paid to social and economic reforms in order to achieve a long lasting solution. The EU stands ready to assist the Government in planning and implementing such reforms in addition to its continuing efforts to support initiatives aimed at promoting peace and reconciliation.
The Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration.
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