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)
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Source: Voice of America
.