Remarks of Secretary of State Colin Powell, January 10, 2002

Remarks of Secretary of State Colin Powell, January 10, 2002

Remarks with His Excellency Jorge Castaneda, Secretary of Foreign Relations of Mexico

Secretary Colin L. Powell
Washington, DC
January 10, 2002

11:55 a.m. EST

...

QUESTION: (In Spanish.)

Mr. Secretary, I wonder if you can give me your reaction to the situation of the peace talks in Colombia.

SECRETARY CASTANEDA: (In Spanish.)

QUESTION: And the question on Colombia, please?

SECRETARY POWELL: We are watching the situation in Colombia very closely, and we regret that the FARC has not taken the opportunity presented to it by President Pastrana to enter into serious negotiations that would lead to a peaceful settlement. The decision that President Pastrana has made, or may be making in the next day or two, we will support as the decision for him to make. And we are in close contact with the Colombian Government.

It is a serious situation, and I hope the FARC recognizes that it is its failure to negotiate in seriousness that has caused this crisis to come about. I hope we do not find an upsurge in violence, and I hope that there may still be found a way to move forward in whatever way President Pastrana decides, but in an atmosphere that does not encourage new and serious violence.

As of January 10, 2002, this document was also available online at http://www.state.gov/secretary/rm/2002/index.cfm?docid=7177