The European Union congratulates the Columbian people on their demonstration, during recent elections, of democratic spirit and on their determination not to give in to the many violent actions and threats made by guerrillas and paramilitary groups against election candidates. It also welcomes the massive participation in, and outcome of, the unofficial vote in favour of a peaceful solution to the internal armed conflict, organized by Redepaz and more than 400 other non­governmental organizations. The EU hopes that this will further the peace process in Colombia.

While welcoming the release on 1 November of the OAS election observers, the EU nevertheless strongly condemns their kidnapping. The EU calls on all parties to respect Human Rights and support Human Rights activists, while encouraging them at the same time to respond to the overwhelming vote for peace and bring about and end to the conflict.

The Associated Countries to the European Union Bulgarie, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia align themselves with this declaration.