QUITO, Nov. 10 (Xinhuanet) -- UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan ruled out on Monday a petition by Ecuador that the United Nations directly take part in the search for a solution to the armed conflict in Colombia.

    "The United Nations, although worried about the Colombian conflict, will not directly get involved in the solution of it," said Annan in the Ecuadorian capital of Quito.

    Upon concluding his four-day visit to Ecuador, Annan told a press conference that the UN representation "was aware of what happens there, but we are not directly involved in the talks with the armed groups because it is the government who has to carry outthis negotiation."

    "What we do is to follow up, give humanitarian aid, watch over the respect of human rights and give a certain legal advise, but Ithink that the direct conversation with those forces is up to the government," he told reporters.

    Annan said that the United Nations "are closely following the Colombian conflict" and appeared optimistic that this country "reaches a definitive peace agreement."

    "The Colombian issue is worrying, not only for Colombia itself,but for its impact over the region. The idea is getting a peacefulsolution, which cannot be a military one," he said.

    He added that the UN, as requested by Ecuadorian President Lucio Gutierrez, "will give more support for the Colombian refugees who have crossed over to this country."

    Gutierrez has requested the United Nations on many occasions toparticipate "in an active way in the solution of the Colombian war."

    Colombia's civil war pits the leftist guerrillas, government forces and the far right paramilitaries against each other. Some 3,500 people, mostly civilians, were killed in the fighting each year.

    The Ecuadorian leader met on Monday at the Presidential Palace with Annan and decorated him with the Order of San Lorenzo.

    Before meeting with Gutierrez, Annan participated in the morning in the session of the Quito Metropolitan Council, where hereceived "the key of the city" from Paco Moncayo, mayor of this capital. Enditem