Foreign Office Minister, Chris Bryant, visiting Colombia on 9 October delivered unequivocal messages to the Colombian government.

In his stop in Bogota, part of a wider visit which also covered Venezuela and Peru, Chris Bryant heard first-hand about the work the UK does to fight the illegal drugs trade in Colombia

He also urged his Colombian counterparts to pursue those responsible for human rights abuses on both sides of the country's long-running conflict.

Chris Bryant said:

"65% of the cocaine on the streets of the UK comes from Colombia. So we cannot ignore the fact that British drug users are part of the problem in Colombia. The drug trade in Colombia undermines good governance; it creates a hideous cycle of violence, repression and further violence; it destroys lives; and it corrupts officials.

So we are determined to continue our important counter-narcotics work in Colombia. But it is vital that our work is, in every regard, beyond reproach. It must be narrowly restricted to genuine counter-narcotics work. Having seen that work, I am absolutely certain that in everything we do we maintain that very strict distinction.

Of course, Britain cannot ignore developments in Colombia's counter-insurgency struggle. I have heard horrific  accounts of human rights abuses in Colombia - and read shocking statistics. I am convinced that if violence and impunity go unchecked, Colombia will never be able to achieve sustainable prosperity.  We unreservedly condemn the activities of all paramilitary forces in Colombia - be they FARC or otherwise.

Trades Unionists and human rights defenders are a vital part of civil society, and it is particularly distressing to hear, as I have heard first-hand, of flagrant attacks on such people.

I have sought assurances from the Colombian government that, in the legitimate fight against insurgency, any abuses of human rights will be pursued vigorously and swiftly; that perpetrators will be brought to justice; and that freedom of expression will be guaranteed."

Notes for Editors

UKinColombia.fco.gov.uk

We can't afford to let up in the fight against drug-traffickers - The Independent

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