DATE=1/11/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=CLINTON - COLOMBIA (S)
NUMBER=2-257965
BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE
DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
///Re-running w/must correct in introduction (change
from 1.3 to 1.6 billion dollars)///
INTRO: The Clinton administration has announced a
two-year, one-point-six-billion dollar plan to help
Colombia implement political reforms and fight drug
trafficking. President Clinton said Tuesday that
building a stable democracy and fighting the drug
trade in Colombia is in the fundamental U-S national
interest. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from the
White House.
Text: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, speaking
to reporters at the White House, says the aid will
provide military hardware to upgrade Colombian forces
in their fight against drug traffickers.
The package - which is based on an anti-drug plan
drawn up by Colombian President Andres Pastrana - will
also increase coca crop eradication and promote
alternative crops. In addition, it will support
efforts to promote the peace process and support
protection of human rights.
The plan reflects heightened U-S concern over
skyrocketing Colombian cocaine and heroine production
and exports to the United States, as well as the
Colombian government's difficulties in cracking down
on Marxist guerrillas involved in drug trafficking.
Ms. Albright believes there will be broad support for
the aid plan in Congress, even though she acknowledges
majority Republicans may disagree with how the funds
are used. Many Republicans believe anti-drug aid
should go directly to law enforcement. (Signed)
NEB/DAT/TVM/JP
11-Jan-2000 20:29 PM EDT (12-Jan-2000 0129 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
