Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
Welcome. Globalization promotes economic development, but social and human development is something we also care about. And that is why we are so focused on human rights in Columbia.
Since he was elected to office, President Uribe claims to have adopted legislation and measures to improve the human rights situation. However, as my colleague said, many union leaders have been assassinated. President Uribe said that some human rights lawyers were considered to be terrorists and allies of the enemy.
Americans have criticized the fact that the free trade agreement signed between the U.S. and Columbia, and between Canada and Columbia, does not force Columbia to respect World Trade Organization standards. Has Canada raised the same concern?
It can be said that a free trade agreement with Columbia might improve working conditions and the respect of human rights in that country. In my opinion, President Uribe could have taken some measures before any agreement was signed, such as passing stricter legislation protecting the rights of workers and human rights attorneys.
The concern we have with regard to the agreement is not so much with regard to economic matters, but rather human rights.