16. To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what recent reports he has received on (a) accusations against and (b) suspensions of officers of the Colombian armed forces who have received UK training; and if he will make a statement. (234543)

We have received no information or evidence that officers who have received UK training have been involved in abuses.

My public statement of 30 October stressed the importance of the Colombian Government's decision to dismiss a number of officers for abuses recently attributed to Colombian Army officers, and for failures in exercising effective command. The resignation of the head of its armed forces is a further notable step.

It is vital that the Colombian Government remain determined to deal with abuses committed by their armed forces, which have no place in any society.