DATE=7/29/1999
TYPE=BACKGROUND REPORT
TITLE=U-S - COLOMBIA DRUG WAR
NUMBER=5-43971
BYLINE=BILL RODGERS
DATELINE=BOGOTA
CONTENT=
INTRO: The growing involvement of the United States in
Colombia's drug war threatens to spill over into the
decades-long conflict between the government and
leftist guerrilla groups. As VOA's Bill Rodgers
reports from Bogota, the anti-narcotics campaign is
increasingly seen as a key element in the country's
counter-insurgency policy.
TEXT: Colombia is now the third largest recipient of
U-S aid after Israel and Egypt, much of it destined for
the South American nation's counter-narcotics program.
Colombia is the world's largest producer of cocaine,
and also of much of the heroin that is now consumed in
the United States.
Colombian and U-S officials say leftist guerrillas and
right-wing paramilitary groups, are involved in the
drug trade - earning anywhere between 200 to 600
million dollars a year from the traffickers. They use
these funds to buy arms and finance their operations
against the government.
The 289 million dollars in U-S aid to Colombia this
year is intended solely to support counter-drug
programs, instead of counterinsurgency efforts. But in
practical terms the distinction is fading. Colombia's
Armed Forces chief, General Fernando Tapias, says the
drug war is a key element in the struggle against rebel
groups.
///Tapias Spanish Act///
He said the only way to stop these groups -- and stop
the violence in Colombia -- is to attack their source
of funding. He said as long the government cannot
reduce the flow of cocaine, these groups will not be
weakened.
For this reason, the Colombian government is seeking
increased aid - including military assistance -- from
the United States. This would include buying more
military helicopters, intercepter planes, and radar
equipment. At the same tim,e General Tapias and other
top Colombian officials emphasize they do not want or
need U-S troop involvement.
However, Colombian political analyst Alfredo Rangel
says the line between counterinsurgency efforts and
counter-narcotics is becoming very blurred - and the
United States may find itself more involved militarily.
///Rangel Spanish act///
He said judging by the rhetoric coming from Washington
about Colombia's drug problem, it appears the American
government is trying to justify a large increase in
military aid to the South American nation.
But U-S drug policy director Barry McCaffrey denies
this. He told reporters during a visit to Bogota this
week that U-S troops will not be directly involved in
the Colombian conflict.
///McCaffrey act////
It's my own view that at the end of the day it
will be Colombian police, prosecutors, judges and
soldiers that will prosecute this action. I do
not believe the United States will play any role,
now or in the future, in this internal struggle.
Except we'll provide training equipment,
intelligence support, (and) goodwill.
///End act///
There are several proposals being discussed in
Washington for helping Colombia. Mr. McCaffrey's
office has proposed one of the largest programs - one-
billion dollars for a regional anti-drug campaign, with
much of the money destined for Colombia. (Signed)
NEB/WFR/KL
29-Jul-1999 09:16 AM LOC (29-Jul-1999 1316 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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