DATE=6/22/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=SENATE-FOREIGN AID (L)
NUMBER=2-263672
BYLINE=DAVID SWAN
DATELINE=CAPITOL HILL
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: A long-delayed package of U-S aid may soon be
en route to Colombia to help that country battle the
narcotic trade. The Senate has approved the plan
(Thursday) as part of a larger foreign aid bill.
V-O-A's David Swan has details.
TEXT: The foreign assistance measure, with Colombia's
money attached, passed by an overwhelming (95 to four)
bipartisan vote. While it now includes 934-million
dollars for Bogota, Republicans have agreed to boost
the total to one-point-three billion in a compromise
with the House of Representatives.
House and Senate leaders hope to settle their
remaining differences fast - so the aid to Colombia,
which was held up for months, could reach President
Clinton's desk as soon as next week.
The funds would go for helicopters, training and other
support for Colombia's armed forces and police.
Critics fear the United States is being drawn into a
violent, never-ending conflict and is subsidizing an
army with a dismal human rights record. Republican
Senator Paul Coverdell, who strongly supports the aid,
acknowledged the fight against the traffickers will
not be easy.
// Coverdell act //
I think those that expressed concerns had valid
arguments to make. This is a precarious work, a
very hostile and a very adversarial environment.
An evil enemy. And there are going to be
imperfections as we move forward.
// end act //
Still, the plan is recieving strong support in the
Clinton administration and the Republican-led
Congress. Mr. Coverdell notes the amount of money
bound for Colombia makes it the third largest
recipient of U-S aid, behind Israel and Egypt.
The Senate foreign assistance bill would give Israel
two-point-eight billion dollars in the next fiscal
year, with Egypt recieving two-billion. Russia's aid
would depend on whether Moscow cooperates in
investigating war crimes and providing relief to
Chechyna. The overall foreign aid package totals 13-
point-four billion dollars, one-point-seven billion
less than the president asked. (Signed)
NEB/DS/PT
22-Jun-2000 17:44 PM EDT (22-Jun-2000 2144 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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