The Colombian economy is very strong. We have one of the highest rates of growth in Latin America.

Colombia is applauded for the efforts that we continue to make to combat drug trafficking.

Europe would be well advised to pay more attention to Latin America. The emerging economies are the engines of the global economy. Colombia has done too little to improve its reputation in Europe.

I fight terrorism as if there was no peace process, and I negotiate the peace process as if there was no terrorism.

For decades, Colombia has been accused of being the world's principal provider of cocaine. If this comes to an end, it would be a dramatic change for our country - which has been suffering more than any other from the consequences of drug-trafficking.

I say this as the president of the country which has suffered more deaths, more blood and more sacrifices in this war.

More than 70 percent of Colombians want peace. The rest are afraid of the price to be paid. But even they will realize that their worst fears will not come true. I'm quite optimistic that Colombians do back an agreement with the FARC.