The Dutch government has expressed concern over the sacking of 2,800 civil servants from Colombia's Public Prosecutor's Office.

The embassy in Bogotá is particularly concerned by dismissals at the departments for human rights, money laundering, and peace and justice. The Dutch authorities work closely with these units, whose officials they train in special courses.

Ambassador Marion Kappeyne van de Coppello says the co-operation with Colombia's Public Prosecutor has had many positive results. As an example, she refers to the recent seizure of a cocaine stash concealed in a shipment of flowers bound for the Netherlands. Officials who helped intercept the narcotics now find themselves out of work, says the ambassador.

The 2,800 officials were sacked after failing a test required to secure a permanent position. Officials who failed the exam say they had hardly any time to prepare because they were swamped with work.