COLOMBIA/EU: Anna Carrigan looks at the recent visit of Mr Chris Patten and examines European efforts to re-engage with the Colombian peace process.
Mr Chris Patten's visit to Colombia last week gave fresh impetus to the international search for a solution to the wars that have torn the country apart, and now threaten to drive Colombians into the hands of a cartel of drug-trafficking warlords, billionaire politically astute bosses, and paramilitary thugs.
The crisis in Colombia has many strands and is more serious and threatening today than most people admit. But building on what he called "the excellent work of the United Nations", and from his own convictions about the crucial role of civic society in fostering sustainable development, dialogue, and peace, Mr Patten laid down markers for both the guerrillas and the government which could be first steps in a road map out of the morass.
After an impromptu meeting in his hotel lobby with a small group of desperate people who are relatives of some of the FARC's kidnapped hostages, and who came begging for help, Mr Patten obtained the government's agreement for the EU to join forces with the UN in a new international effort to agree a prisoner exchange, between the hostages and guerrillas jailed by the government.
Like much else, the hostage issue has been allowed to fester for two brutal years because no one cared enough. Mr Patten cares. So does his UN partner in this endeavour, Mr James Lemoyne. Later this week, Mr Patten will meet with UN Secretary General, Mr Kofi Annan, in Brussels to give a new dynamic to efforts to bring the hostages home.
The government wanted the Commissioner to provide EU support, money, but even more importantly, legitimacy, for their talks with the paramilitaries. They also wanted EU sponsorship for an international "Donor's Table" in Brussels, where they would seek backing for Colombian President, Mr Alvaro Uribe's "democratic security" policies, later this spring. But in an interview published in Bogota two days prior to his arrival, Mr Patten let the government know that none of this would happen. He stressed his support for the UN's human rights recommendations.
The government has so far refused to implement these, although it was agreed in London last summer that their implementation was a pre-condition to any future "Donors' Conference".
Mr Patten also underscored the EU's differences with the government over recent anti-terrorist legislation.
Asked how the EU would respond to the government's request for support in demobilising the paramilitaries, Mr Patten said the Union would need to be satisfied that any peace initiative in which it was involved did not imply impunity for serious crimes.
Since the government is drafting a law to allow those guilty of atrocities and crimes against humanity to make cash payments in lieu of jail time, the Commissioner's words closed the door.
Its agenda in smithereens, the government struck back: "Old Europe" the Vice President told a radio reporter, "has a neo-colonial view of our judicial system, they treat Colombia like a Banana Republic." Behind the frustration, there is a bigger problem. Eighteen months after coming to power, President Uribe's honeymoon with the international community, or at least with Europe, has ended abruptly.
The President is due to travel to Europe shortly, where he has been invited to speak to the European Parliament, and is expected to visit Brussels, Strasbourg and Rome, in a bid to gain political and financial backing for his tough stand against terrorism.
Mr Patten warned him that unless Colombia makes the changes to the anti-terrorist law that the UN has requested, and establishes a legal framework for the paramilitary negotiations that ensures Colombia's obligations under international humanitarian law are met, and that protects the rights of victims to truth, justice, and reparations, he could face some very unpleasant questions on his European tour.
Meanwhile, in Brussels last week, the EU Council for Politics and Security, held its first meeting to consider Colombia's case since December 2002. "We wanted to set out our position clearly, ahead of President Uribe's visit," said a source.
The text of their conclusions, to be adopted by the foreign ministers of the 15 this week, provides the EU with a blueprint for their dealings with Colombia.
Expressing "deep concern" for the "still grave human rights
situation in Colombia," the text urges the government to implement "without delay" the recommendations of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
The EU will also ask that Colombia publish a plan of action for human rights, with a timetable for implementation attached.