Plan Colombia: U.S. 'Meddling' Or Necessary Support?

President Clinton's August 30 stopover in Cartagena to inaugurate U.S. backing of Plan Colombia inspired another round of U.S. policy-critiquing among Latin American and European media opponents of American involvement in Colombia's counter-narcotics war. Reaction in the Colombian press was mixed. Plan Colombia coverage also gathered momentum via the South American Leaders Summit in Brasilia on August 31 and at the UN Millennium Summit in New York last week, where a few voices supporting the U.S.-backed initiative emerged from under the otherwise alarmist reviews. The negative refrains associated with the U.S.' "undue interventionism" ranged from fears of a "Vietnamization" and an escalation of the conflict outside of Colombia's borders, to predictions of environmental destruction in the Amazon and a "massive exodus of peasants" due to the Plan's coca eradication program. A thread of support for Plan Colombia also was evident among some who saw the drug trade--not the U.S.--as the "common enemy," and who viewed the "deterioration of Colombian society" as well as "indifference and carelessness" in dealing with the "drug trafficking machine and its allies" as the greater threats. Displaying a rare nod to the U.S., Rio's independent Jornal da Tarde asserted that "U.S. assistance was given following a request from a government trying to clean house without the means." Regional views follow:

COLOMBIA: PASTRANA BOOSTED BY U.S. AID AND UN ATTENTION-- Most Colombian writers welcomed Mr. Clinton's visit and his delivery of the $1.3 billion aid package as a "golden opportunity" for Colombian President Pastrana and a "high-point" in U.S.-Colombia relations. Others, in the minority, including a former minister of justice, took the more cynical view that Clinton's "gift" smacked of a new "interventionist approach." In light of the increasing international attention that Plan Colombia received at the UN summit, national El Tiempo judged that "Colombia is viewed now in a global rather than just a bilateral context."

WESTERN HEMISPHERE: 'ESCALATION' IN THE ANDES AND IN THE AMAZON-- Concern that Plan Colombia "will in the end extend Colombia's domestic crisis" to other countries in the region resonated most strongly in Brazil, Venezuela, Ecuador and Peru, where skeptics shared one Venezuelan analyst's assertion that "Plan Colombia has unleashed the mother of all storms." Rio's independent Jornal da Tarde warned that the U.S. was "playing with fire" in Colombia.

EUROPE: U.S. NEEDS TO CHANGE APPROACH IN DRUG WAR-- Perceiving Americans as "meddling" in Colombia's morass, most European writers disapproved of the U.S. "boldly treading" as London's independent Economist put it, into "this complex, vicious and many-sided conflict." Most agreed that fighting the drug war by concentrating on attacking supply rather than demand would do little to disrupt the flow of cocaine and heroin, and shared one Austrian writer's assertion that the U.S. "attempt to abolish the supply with military assistance seems like a bad joke." By contrast, Spanish dailies found criticism of the U.S. somewhat unfounded. Business-oriented ABC, for example, reminded its audience that "Plan Colombia is not a U.S. strategy but...a Colombian initiative."

EDITOR: Irene Marr

EDITOR'S NOTE: This survey is based on 72 reports from 24 countries August 23 - September 13. Editorial excerpts are grouped by region; editorials from each country are listed from the most recent date.

WESTERN HEMISPHERE

COLUMBIA: "Another Kind Of Invasion"

An op-ed in Bogota's second-leading El Espectador (9/13) by former Minister of Justice Edmundo López discussed the impact of the U.S. aid package on peace talks: "Playing Santa Claus by giving generous gifts, [Clinton] put his hands on the shoulders of innocent Colombians and assured them that (U.S.) troops wouldn't invade Colombia and Colombia would never suffer the same bad experience Vietnam did. The truth is the United States won't physically invade Colombia.... Today, things are different. The issue is another kind of invasion, which is part of a new interventionist approach.... U.S. policy is to commit forces from other countries to carry out U.S. war plans and to seek international consensus in doing so. The United States used this approach with NATO in Kosovo.... This policy has been proposed in the Colombian case and our easygoing president has agreed to it. Hopefully, the insurgents will...decide sooner rather than later to negotiate an acceptable peace...and not await the arrival of black helicopters, ghost planes, guided missiles, or destructive herbicides."

"Internationalization Of Colombian Conflict"

An op-ed in leading, national El Tiempo by senior journalist Margarita Vidal cited UNSG Kofi Annan (9/10): "With the internationalization of the Colombian conflict the world must develop a better understanding of Colombia's problems. 'Watching a crime being committed and doing nothing is just as bad as perpetrating the crime itself,' said Annan."

"In The Eye Of The Hurricane"

Taking note of Colombia's new higher profile in international affairs, an editorial in leading, national El Tiempo observed (9/8): "Colombia is viewed now in a global rather than just a bilateral context. Reference to Colombia in world fora reflects the unquestionable fact that the problems of this country are part of the international agenda in an era of globalization.... A strengthened and efficient UN constitutes the best means to achieve real cooperation in the fight against drugs. A future UN role in Colombia's peace process, based on successful experience with Central American countries, shouldn't be dismissed."

"The UN, Peace Operations And Colombia"

Colombian ex-delegate to the OAS Commission on Human Rights Alvaro Tirado Mejia pointed out in an op-ed in second-leading El Espectador (9/8): "The Colombian conflict has increasingly attracted the attention of the international community. Therefore, UN participation is inescapable and desirable. Based on previous experience, a UN role in Colombia would be cooperative, within the peace process and with a view to a political solution, through verification of peace agreements, through peacemaking, or, even intervention to stop violence."

"Clinton's Not The Problem"

In an op-ed in second-leading El Espectador, former Minister of State Cecilia Lopez held (9/5): "Clinton will go down in history as a clever politician who survived a crisis of his own making, who brought prosperity to his country, reached trade agreements with China, and relaxed relations with Cuba. He also moved drug issues to the top of the U.S. agenda with Colombia and (included it) as part of his electoral strategy.... Moreover, he was able to convince the government of Colombia to bear the costs of U.S. policies. He may win the big prize by ensuring that the Democrats remain in power under Gore. It's Pastrana who has the problem. Pastrana lost face by surrendering to the FARC and yielding to the United States. Clinton has won all while Pastrana has ventured into dangerous territory by putting Colombians and Latin Americans at risk."

"Clinton Visit...A Golden Moment In Relations"

General (ret.) Alvaro Valencia Tovar wrote in Medellin's regional, conservative El Colombiano (9/5): "The ten-hour period spent by President Clinton in Colombia represents a golden moment in relations between both countries. Results of the Clinton visit to Cartagena include: strengthened bilateral relations, the prospect of future economic cooperation, trade preferences for Colombian products, the possibility of Colombia entering NAFTA along with Mexico, and substantial support for Colombia in its efforts to overcome the current crisis."

"Clinton's Visit...Planned To Evoke Emotional Response"

Columnist Adriana Santacruz observed in Cali's regional, conservative El Pais (9/4): "I wouldn't doubt for a moment if anyone suggested that President Bill Clinton's visit was prepared by a script writer in Hollywood. Everything seemed perfectly planned to evoke an emotional, rather than an intellectual response. Media coverage of violence elsewhere in the country was an unfortunate commentary on realities in Colombia."

"To Show Results"

In the words of an op-ed by exiled editor-in-chief Francisco Santos in leading, national El Tiempo (9/3): "The Clinton visit sealed a long-term alliance. Andres Pastrana was given a golden opportunity; let's see how he uses it to achieve a prompt peace settlement."

"U.S....Colombia's Best Friend"

Historian Alberto Dangond remarked in second-leading El Espectador (9/3): "Diplomatic, economic and political relations with the United States are at a high point. The United States has shown itself to be Colombia's best friend. Now, Colombia can rise to the challenge and participate in building a new world, rather than to continue in the current state of violence."

"Yankees Come Home"

An analysis in second-leading El Espectador concluded (9/3): "Plan Colombia is important assistance, but we must accept it on our feet rather than on our knees. Moreover, Colombia must realize that there are certain struggles it must face once and for all, including anti-narcotics and anti-insurgency, and that international aid helps it do so."

ARGENTINA: "Anti-Drug Campaign May Generate Exodus Of Peasants"

Bibiana Alvarez, international columnist of business-oriented El Cronista, wrote (9/7): "The UN High Commissioner for Refugees in Colombia...stated that the possibility that Plan Colombia will cause a massive exodus of peasants to neighboring countries largely depends on the efficacy of plans for illegal crops eradication.... The NGOs anticipated that the anti-drug campaign may generate the exodus of some 150,000 people in Putumayo, where the FARC has an important military presence."

"A Tale Of Two Cities"

Michael Soltys, executive editor of the liberal, English-language Buenos Aires Herald, commented (9/5): "For once, South America went according to plan last week.... Clinton's visit to...Cartagena and the South American leaders' summit in Brasilia were billed in advance as the top stories and sure enough they were.... The Vietnam comparison is often raised, but in fact Plan Colombia is probably more likely to repeat the U.S. experience in El Salvador and with the Nicaraguan Contras a couple of decades ago.... The South American leaders question the wisdom of advancing aid to Colombia without human rights safeguards and stress the dangers of escalation. Yet the violence is threatening to spill its evils over into other countries...and expressions of respect for Colombian internal affairs overlook the fact that the problem is already regional."

"Problem Lies In Consequences In The Field"

Guillermo Ortiz, international columnist of business-oriented El Cronista wrote (9/4): "Clinton's visit to Cartagena...is a meaningful event for a region that is subject to chained destabilization.... Plan Colombia received well-grounded criticism, since it means an open-ended U.S. involvement.... But there is nothing bad in U.S. aid to a democratic government facing a specific crisis--the problem lies in the consequences of its application in the field. In this way, the Washington participation should be reviewed while taking into account the consolidation of the 'narco-guerrillas' concept, which poses a new kind of conflict."

"The Thin Red Line"

Jorge Elias, international columnist of daily-of-record La Nacion, argued (9/3): "Clinton needs to eliminate the source of drugs entering the United States, the largest world consumer, and Pastrana needs to eliminate the origin of the armed conflict (in Colombia).... That's why the doubts: will the money be used in eradicating illegal crops or, (will it be used) in eliminating the left-wing and ultra-right wing insurgency?... What will the Americans receive in exchange for the services rendered and the money granted?... Plan Colombia has a thin red line: the mere evidence of an attack would have consequences.... Then, the ghost of Vietnam would be the ghost of Colombia."

"Colombia: South America Says 'No' To Clinton"

Eleonora Gosman, leading Clarin's Brasilia-based correspondent, commented (9/1): "The U.S. government's hopes regarding Colombia received a hard blow yesterday during the summit of South American presidents.... The key leaders participating in this unprecedented encounter, which wants to establish the base of an integrated and trade-oriented organization in South America, moved away from the Colombian issue and particularly from Washington's recurrent offer to join the 'Plan Colombia' against drug-trafficking. Some people in Brasilia viewed Clinton's visit to Cartagena as a 'maneuver' aimed at dividing South America's 'positive agenda.'"

"Fears Which Mark A Region"

Pablo Biffi, on special assignment in Brasilia for leading Clarin, noted (9/1): "In spite of President Pastrana's efforts and of Clinton's request for the countries in the region to support the Plan Colombia against drug-trafficking, South Americans do not seem ready to give 'carte blanche' to Bogota's initiative, warmly endorsed by Washington. Moreover, even though in public most leaders refer to the issue diplomatically, in private they do nothing but express their firm opposition to the initiative which, they believe, will in the end extend Colombia's domestic crisis to their own countries."

"'If the Crisis Gets Worse, The Plan Colombia Is Doomed To Fail'"

Juan Gabriel Tokatlian, professor of international relations, opined in business-oriented El Cronista (8/31): "Plan Colombia is a security plan with obvious military components and a clear political message.... Washington wants to engage in a major rescue of Colombia, an institutional, military and economic rescue. By doing this, the United States would avoid an implosion in the Andean country.... If the general crisis gets worse, we will witness an uncontrollable situation.... If during the past ten years, with all the security resources provided by the United States in Colombia, there was an unprecedented growth in violence of all kinds...nothing assures us that in the next couple of years those same difficulties will not get worse. The key issue here is to understand that the drug problem is a result of its banning, and that the guerrillas constitute a political problem: both problems need more imaginative and less repressive solutions."

"Pastrana, In Search Of Relief For Deep Economic Crisis"

Bibiana Alvarez, international columnist for business-financial El Cronista, argued (8/30): "In addition to the guerrillas and drug traffickers, those who will suffer most as a consequence of an anti-drug plan, carried out by the Colombian government under U.S. auspices, are the thousands of peasants who will lose their jobs due to the elimination of illegal crops.... In this context, there will be more movements, both internally and toward neighboring countries, not only of workers but of drug traffickers who will look for new spaces for their business. In view of this risk, the neighboring countries have strengthened security on their borders.... In this sense, Plan Colombia represents not the end of one problem but, perhaps, the beginning of others."

BOLIVIA: "Bolivia Recovered Its Dignity For Its Battle Against Drugs"

A lead editorial in conservative El Diario concluded (9/11): "We must not forget that this war has been carried out at the expense of innumerable sacrifices by the Bolivian population that, even though it was not trafficking in drugs, subsisted on a 500 million dollar windfall that came from the economic and industrial activity generated by drug trafficking. The United States has recognized this effort and increased its cooperation, but not enough to develop other fields of production which can substitute for the lost income, as was recognized by President Bill Clinton, during his interview with the Bolivian president. The Bolivian action is commendable...but it is necessary that the nations of the entire planet help us compensate for our losses with open markets and the investments which we need so urgently."

"President Clinton's Proposal"

An editorial in centrist La Prensa suggested (9/10): "We may infer that President Clinton's gesture was motivated by the impression gained...by the secretary of State, who, during her visit was informed of the grave crisis which the country confronts and which is currently debated these days in political circles... It is not untimely either to point out that the proposal changes the picture in which our country appeared as having the right to demand a payback for its success in the anti-drug war.... As was expected, the government's satisfaction is obvious, while other sectors of public opinion remain skeptical or wary. Without taking sides with either extreme, we will have to wait for the development and outcome of events."

"Fears For Plan Colombia"

Catholic-church owned, left-leaning Presencia editorialized (9/5): "Fears about Bolivia being affected by the Colombian war against drugs are well-founded.... Colombian drug traffickers, troubled by military and police forces, will seek refuge in places where they feel safe, not only in terms of their lives but also to continue their illegal activities. Given the real conditions of our country, our territory could be considered by those fugitives as favorable settlement areas."

"Plan Colombia Bets It All"

Pro-business, centrist La Razon of La Paz argued (9/3): "The United States is betting to reduce, thanks to $1.3 billion in aid, the inflow of cocaine into the United States.... Colombia is betting on bringing the guerrillas, as well as Carlos Castano and his extreme right forces, to the negotiating table.... Plan Colombia already has affected diplomacy in South America and, in some countries, internal policy. Brazil has distanced itself from Washington...and has reinforced the military control of its border with Colombia. Ecuador...will submit to popular consultation the idea of a U.S. military base to be installed in Manta. Hugo Chavez has also created a stir in Bogota upon declaring, some months ago, that he wished to reach an agreement with the Colombian guerrillas in order to prevent their moving into Venezuelan territory. In that context, Washington has not been able to dissuade any of those countries--Panama as well--that Colombia's internal war won't be exported and that the antidrug battle won't turn into an open war against guerrillas. Colombia, unfortunately, let the conflict grow and its neighbors did not worry about its effects."

BRAZIL: "The Armed Forces Vs. Drug Trafficking"

Retired Ambassador Antonio Amaral De Sampaio offered this explanation of the armed forces' role in the war on drugs in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo (9/14): "The Brazilian armed forces have functions specifically defined by the constitution.... They are not police and they should not assume police functions... If in extreme cases of national security they are called on to fight drug trafficking, the armed forces must involve themselves at a distance, never directly."

"Colombian Conflict More Likely To Enlarge"

A byliner by journalist Mauro Santayana on independent Jornal da Tarde's op-ed page charged (9/8): "The United States is playing with fire in Colombia. Maybe some believe that it is possible to keep the intervention within certain limits, but once the military advisors arrive [in Colombia], the most likely scenario is that the conflict will widen. Therefore, the Vietnamization of the Colombian conflict is not just a fear, but a likelihood. Of course, the drug fight is only a weak pretext: what the United States wants is to control the Amazon region and its resources."

"One Shouldn't Play With National Security"

A lead editorial in center-right O Estado de S. Paulo noted (9/7): "In view of the crisis in Colombia and of the potential risk of drug traffickers and guerrillas transferring their activities to Brazil, the government is fighting against the clock to defend its open border. There is very little that can be done to make up the lost time.... The Amazon radar surveillance systems serve only as flight support...and the Brazilian Air Force practically has no means to intercept clandestine aircraft flying into Brazilian air space."

"This War Is Not Ours"

Rio's independent Jornal do Brasil ran this byline by Moacir Werneck de Castro (9/6): "The time in which Latin American countries used to form a unanimous group ready to shake their heads and approve everything the northern colossus said, has passed. The rejection of Plan Colombia proposed by the United States is evidence of that.... The Colombian plan is not philanthropic assistance. It's an investment as stated by Phillip Chicola, a State Department expert on Andean affairs.... This plan includes the most varied ingredients: two guerrilla factions--the FARC and the paramilitaries--the routine slaughters, bankrupted institutions, ruined finances, drug cartels, generalized corruption and money laundering. It's the ideal scenario for...Yankee salvation.... Brazil made it clear that it won't participate.... This is a position that must be welcome because it represents a refusal to comply with the imperialist adventure in the Amazon frontier. This war is not ours."

"Drugs And Bananas"

Rio's independent Jornal do Brasil editorialized (9/5): "The plan foresees the involvement of U.S. military and civilian forces to fight traffickers, but the use of herbicides to eradicate coca plantations may deteriorate the fragile Brazilian ecosystem. In Colombia, as well as in Brazil, narco-trafficking has stopped being a simple police matter and has become a national security issue.... The head-on fight against coca plantations in Colombia...will inevitably push them toward neighboring countries. Bolivian President Hugo Banzer stated, in Brasilia, that simple repression of production and consumption will not solve the problem and would only 'exchange drugs for bananas.'"

"Not Vietnam, But El Salvador"

Liberal Folha de S. Paulo's editorialist Clovis Rossi commented (9/2): "There is no sense in comparing the U.S. action in Colombia with what happened in Vietnam.... The appropriate comparison is with El Salvador in the 1980's. There the United States--as it will do in Colombia--did not provide troops, but economic aid, military advisors and equipment, and intelligence. It is important for Brazil to remember that the Central American conflict caused problems for all the nations of the region, even those that were not involved in it. Therefore, a situation of prolonged war on the border is just what Brazil does not need."

"An Endless War"

A byliner by Gama Filho University professor Ricardo Valdez Rodriguez in Rio's independent Jornal da Tarde asserted (9/2): "There are many writers who consider Plan Colombia an undue U.S. intervention in Latin America, but this is a distorted and malicious view of the facts. U.S. assistance was given following a request from a government trying to clean house without the means to do it. It is, therefore, legitimate assistance in the context of international law."

"Fusarium And A War With Condoms"

A column by former Brazilian president José Sarney in liberal Folha de S. Paulo stressed (9/1): "Refugees, rebels and drug traffickers are seeking refuge in the empty areas of the Amazon. It is imperative to repel them. The situation is more complicated today with the announcement of Plan Colombia, under U.S. leadership. Our urgent task is to transform those dead borders into living borders. Territorial sovereignty should be taken seriously.... Clinton has already said that the war might reach us, and, kindly, is willing to help us. This is no comfort. It is the new style of intervention, a war without risk, as they say, a war with condoms. They provide the means, the leaders, the material and the strategy, and we assume the risk."

"Colombia, Guerrillas And Drug Trafficking"

In Rio's independent Jornal da Tarde, an op-ed piece by Brazilian Ambassador Antonio Amaral de Sampaio contended (8/29): "Brazil's interest in Colombia is to preserve the integrity of our territory against guerrilla incursions...and to prevent the infiltration of drugs traffickers who have plans to reach the great consumer markets in North America via the Amazon river system.... Washington's intervention in Vietnam began by sending military technicians to give specialized training to Saigon's forces. This initiative ended up in what we know.... Could the lessons from this episode have been so quickly forgotten?"

CHILE: "Horror In Colombia"

Government-owned, but editorially independent La Nacion commented (9/4): "Although armed violence is very frequent in Colombia, on some occasions it is impossible not to shiver when listening to the details of such episodes.... In fact, there won't be peace in Colombia if those with arms don't have the will to achieve it. Too much blood has been spilled in that country. We hope that the Colombian people may finally find the way to silence arms and give peaceful and free coexistence an opportunity."

"Problematic Plan"

Conservative, influential, newspaper-of record El Mercurio noted in a weekly round-up column (9/4): "Washington has underscored that its aid to Colombia is to fight drug trafficking and not the guerrillas, but that is not true. Clinton and Pastrana must acknowledge the fact that it is impossible to separate drug trafficking from the guerrillas. The FARC and the ELN see it this way too, and view the plan as a direct action against their organizations.... The depenalizing of drug use and the medical treatment of addicts seem to be the only practical way to deprive drug dealers and the guerrillas from gaining profit. These measures should be included in international treaties...because without changes of this magnitude, all programs such as Plan Colombia will have minimal results."

"U.S. Advisors In Colombia"

Santiago's financial El Diario ran an opinion piece by entrepreneur Marcelo Trivelli (9/1): "There is a legitimate concern that the arrival of U.S. 'advisors' in Colombia with $1.3 billion will escalate violence and the conflict will extend to the rest of South America. But in spite of this legitimate concern in the Latin American community over Plan Colombia, we must support it, because Colombia must not be left alone to face the United States. We must work together to encourage a constructive dialogue for the United States to take concrete measures to decrease the demand for drugs in its own territory."

CUBA: "Colombia: The Dark Side Of The Shortcuts"

Communist Party organ Granma's international page had this comment by journalist Nidia Díaz (8/30): "The South Americans fear that they could find themselves involved in a conflict that doesn't concern them; nevertheless, everything would indicate that they will have to strengthen their borders with Colombia to stop the migratory flow.... The Europeans, concerned seriously about the dangers to the ecosystem caused by the defoliants...don't stop perceiving a certain 'stink' of North American hegemonism in the subcontinent."

"Plan Colombia And Its Critics"

An editorial in Communist Party Youth Wing organ Juventud Rebelde, based on an article by James Petras, sociology professor at the University of Bringhamton (sic), argued (9/3): "There is a long and repugnant history of interventions by Washington to put an end to popular participation when the main actors lose control.... They only difference is that Plan Colombia does not pretend to be a covert operation: It is a military attempt, public and flagrant, to destroy dialogue and (popular) movements which dare to challenge the imperial monolith. Let us hope that the collaboration of the Europeans does not consist of mopping the floor after the bloodbath."

DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: "Clinton In Colombia"

An editorial in centrist El Caribe reflected (8/30): "Other than the public image of both presidents [Pastrana and Clinton], who is to be benefited by the U.S. diplomacy? Time will reveal that it won't be the Colombian peasant, and neither will it be the Colombian economy. In the meantime, let us limit ourselves to make sure that no merchandise [i.e. drugs,] whether in a free or controlled market, is over and above the ethical principles that bless the democratic institutions, and declare human life as superior to any drug or ill-gotten money."

"Colombia In Its Last Chance"

Establishment Listin Diario judged (8/30) "The setting up of Plan Colombia, the most serious attempt to dismantle the drug traffic machine and its allies, the guerrillas, puts that country at one of its most historic and decisive crossroads.... Someday...all Latin America will have to confront this common enemy [drugs]...the example closest to us is Haiti. Sooner or later we will have to consider, as a country, to what point it is admissible to act with indifference and carelessness in front of a phenomenon that has hit Colombia very hard and that is trying to replicate itself in front of our own noses with all its devastating consequences."

ECUADOR: "To Demilitarize Plan Colombia"

Gustavo Pérez Ramirez noted in Quito's leading, centrist El Comercio (9/12): "Plan Colombia might become a catalyzing agent if it is stripped from its polemic component of biological warfare.... In Cartagena, President Clinton stated that his government would be willing to modify the destination of its aid to Plan Colombia, if the Colombian government so requests, because 'the U.S. strategy is in favor of peace and against drugs and it does not include a military intervention.' This would imply eliminating the use of fungicides as a tool of eradication, which is included in the version (of Plan Colombia) signed in Washington on July 13."

"Plan Colombia"

Former Defense Minister Gen. Jose Gallardo Roman explained in an opinion column in Guayaquil's leading, center-right El Universo (9/8): "[I]t is evident that both the Colombian government and the international community will devote their biggest economic effort to providing other means of subsistence to the people who either work for drug traffickers or are involved with guerrillas, trying to improve their living standards.... An important part of the dissuasion-not-intervention policy is the strict observation of the agreement for the use of the Manta Air Base without any deviation from its main goal of 'carrying out interdiction, monitoring, tracking and control activities against illegal drug trafficking.' On the other hand, as our country endures serious social deficiencies on the northern border, and in the face of the arrival of newly displaced individuals from Colombia, Ecuador needs to initiate intense international actions to get economic aid based on the contribution of the Manta base. Also, Ecuador must...denounce the use of biological or chemical weapons (which might damage the Ecuadorian population or ecosystem) in the eradication of coca crops."

"Ecuador And Plan Colombia"

An opinion column by Cesar Montufar in Quito's leading, centrist El Comercio suggested (9/6): "Plan Colombia poses the most serious foreign threat the country has faced in a long time. It deserves, therefore, a solid unified position of all the sectors of the country.... This security policy should contain at least four components: 1) a border development plan; 2) a military defense plan effective for the border area; 3) an environmental research and protection plan for the ecosystem that might be damaged by the coca crop eradication techniques used on the Colombian side; 4) a revision of the second article of the Manta base accord to specify that Ecuadorian territory will not be used to provide direct support to military actions under the plan. Today more than ever before we must aim at reducing to the minimum the bilateral nature of the U.S. fight against drug trafficking. The Brasilia statement, signed last week by South American presidents, might be an adequate initial framework to achieve this purpose."

GUATEMALA: "An Unimaginable Danger"

Business-oriented Siglo Veintiuno ran this commentary by columnist Luis Figueroa (9/3): "Who can measure or even imagine the impact that the Colombianization of Guatemala might have? Unfortunately, it is a fact that the characteristics that make Guatemala an ideal place for investments and legitimate businesses are the same ones that attract criminals such as drug traffickers.... All this is very frightening for anyone who has considered the deterioration of Colombia's society and the general war against drugs that the United States conducts...if the world's most powerful nation has only had relative success in this war.... Guatemala as a society and as a country must be aware of the danger it is in."

"The Plan Colombia Scheme"

In a full-page assessment of Plan Colombia, Guatemala's largest-circulation Prensa Libre commented (8/27): "The support that 'Plan Colombia' has received from the United States and Europe makes one think that the war, at least on the international front, is being won by Andres Pastrana's government. He has been able to brand the guerrillas with the stigma of drug trafficking. Pastrana has been able to ensure that the attention drug trafficking gets is confused with that of guerrilla activity, emphasizing the term narco-guerrilla.... The interest in justifying the huge amounts of money that the United States and Europe will provide Colombia to fight drugs has also turned into an excellent business.... The happiness perceived in governmental circles related to this war...produces the feeling that there will be enough [money] for everyone."

"Turning Into Another Colombia"

The lead editorial in business-oriented Siglo Veintiuno maintained (8/23): "Gifts and social works by the drug cartels charm and tarnish entire populations.... In Colombia, Pablo Escobar Gaviria...used similar gimmicks to win over people and protect his business.... Our authorities must remain firm in confronting this affliction...to prevent Guatemalans from suffering the violence, chaos, and lack of security with which the Colombians have lived for years."

HONDURAS: "Another Vietnam?"

Horacio H. Medina opined in center-left Tiempo (8/31): "Recent developments in South America do not paint an optimistic picture, and the situation is further aggravated by news that a new herbicide will be used to eradicate coca plantations.... In this column we can only recall to readers that 'Agent Orange,' the defoliant used in Vietnam, was responsible for the death and mutilation of Vietnamese as well as North Americans. Which goes to show that man is the only animal that puts his foot in the same trap twice."

MEXICO: "Colombia, Before And After Clinton's Visit"

Juan Maria Alponte wrote in nationalist/pro-government Excelsior (9/6): "The problem in Colombia continues to be the same, even though the number of dead persons during Clinton's visit to Colombia will not astonish the Colombian people who have seen 300,000 persons die during the last 15 years.... What drove Clinton and his $1.3 billion dollar assistance plan to Colombia...was the real threat not only that the rule of law could disappear, but the state itself could disappear. 'Colombianization' embodies that real possibility."

"Unconditional Cease-Fire"

Alberto Cravioto wrote in nationalist El Universal (9/3): "Plan Colombia...will immediately bring about more dead, injured, kidnapped, blackmailed and displaced people in Colombia.... President Clinton has discarded the 'Vietnamization' of the conflict in Colombia. However, this is a real possibility.... The guerrilla groups should realize that Plan Colombia is the result of their own mistaken strategy of trying to negotiate peace at the same time that they continue the war against the Colombian government. The Colombian government has reacted exactly in the same manner: negotiating peace and continuing the war."

"Clinton In Colombia, Adding Fuel To The Fire"

Left-of-center La Jornada argued (8/31): "President Clinton's...assistance program for Colombia would turn that country into the third largest recipient of U.S. military assistance, after Israel and Egypt.... Eager to transmit a positive and even humanitarian image, Clinton said Colombian aid will not result in another Vietnam nor is it a sign of Yankee imperialism.... Nevertheless, large segments of Colombian society have rejected the plan. One demonstrator in Bogota said 'We cannot allow another country to bring bullets so that the Colombian people kill each other.' This phrase demonstrates the paradox of the program: It is aimed at bringing peace through war."

"Smells Like Vietnam"

Mireya Olivas declared in nationalist Milenio (8/30): "President Pastrana reacted angrily to a question about the fungus Fusarium Oxysporum, saying that Colombia has not used it nor does it plan to use it against the opium poppy plantations.... Some 'creative' U.S. officials...have recommended Colombia use this fungus. However, nobody really knows what its effect would be on the environment and on human beings. The memories of agent orange in Vietnam come to mind.... The war against drugs will not succeed as long as U.S. drug consumption does not go down."

"Clinton's Nearly Blank Check To Colombia"

Mireya Olivas stated in nationalist Milenio (8/25): "There still are serious questions: How will the U.S. military advisors ensure that the helicopters and other weapons will only be used against drug traffickers and not against the FARC and ELN guerrillas? How will Washington and Bogota ensure that the escalation of the war against drugs and against the guerrillas will not spill over to neighboring countries? And last, how will Clinton and his successor ensure that this adventure will not become another Vietnam for the United States?"

PANAMA: "In Helping Colombia, Panama Helps Itself"

Conservative El Panama America ran an inside editorial favoring Panama's support for Plan Colombia (9/1): "With his personal presence in Cartagena...President Clinton ratified his country's economic, political and moral commitment with Plan Colombia... It is sensible and fair to morally support Colombia's efforts to attack the agricultural roots of drug trafficking.... In helping Colombia, Panama helps itself from any point of view."

"Clinton' Visit Should Strengthen Peace Process, Instead Of Intensifying War"

Independent El Universal de Panama ran an op-ed by Daniel Delgado Diamante, former secretary general of the Foreign Affairs Ministry (9/1): "After not having looked at Latin America during the eight years of his administration, President Clinton suddenly turns his politics toward this hemisphere and promotes the militarization of a peace plan conceived in Colombia, justifying this action by the increase in drug trafficking from Colombia.... The armed conflict in Colombia has lasted 40 years.... The effects of the Colombian conflict...may extend to the neighboring countries with serious consequences for regional security.... President Clinton's visit should strengthen the peace process instead of intensifying war."

"Plan Colombia Is Running...Panama Does Nothing"

Sensationalist tabloid Critica Libre carried an editorial criticizing the Panamanian government for not taking speedy action on future waves of displaced Colombians (8/31): "President Clinton visited Cartagena yesterday for nine hours to put into effect Plan Colombia, an initiative where the United States and Europe have joined efforts to combat narcotrafficking.... Plan Colombia is running and Panama still does nothing. We don't know if the leaders await an invasion of displaced Colombians in order to start doing something."

PERU: "A Rebuff In Brasilia"

Strongly-opposition La Republica argued in its editorial (9/2): "The Declaration of Brasilia supporting Plan Colombia has rebuffed the government of Peru's position, which opposed the plan.... It is true that the guerrillas may expand to border countries...but it is also true that Colombia requires a global and immediate solution to stop violence."

"An Opportunity For Colombia"

Straightforward, respected El Comercio noted (8/30): "Clinton and Pastrana have explained the Plan's objectives and requested the support of civil society and neighboring countries.... Plan Colombia includes areas like economic rebuilding, political stability and democracy strengthening.... However, issues like the possible use of chemicals in eradication campaigns of coca and poppy, a more serious conflict provoked by guerrillas, and mobilization of narcotraffickers and guerrillas to border countries can hardly be separated from the Plan."

"The Colombia Plan"

Reliable, business-oriented Gestion declared (8/26): "Washington has said that the United States will only provide military support to train the Colombian police and military against narco-trafficking. However, since the guerrilla actions are supposed to be related to narco-trafficking, they will actually be affected by anti-drug operations.... In her recent trip to South America, Madeleine Albright received the region's support for Plan Colombia objectives, but the border countries remained concerned as to the possible military consequences.... Although [the plan] is intended to solve an internal problem, we can not deny that it will have certain effects in the bordering countries."

VENEZUELA: "The Truth Displaced"

Influential, liberal El Nacional opined (9/7): "As we have said before, Plan Colombia will have perverse effects on Venezuela. We have to accept this and prepare for this.... Plan Colombia is a reality we will have to live with for several years. It will affect daily life along the border. It will force us to receive and take proper care of those refugees whose movement to our territory as a result of the violence will have unpredictable consequences. It will affect overland commerce with our major regional trading partner. It will create a military imbalance in the region because Colombia will be armed with sophisticated weapons and be trained by the United States. And, unfortunately for us, it will cause an increase in the dangers of drug trafficking on Venezuelan soil.... Our dreams will not be comforting."

"Plan Colombia Makes Necessary A Plan Venezuela"

Enrique Prieto Silva wrote in centrist El Globo (9/7): "It is ridiculous to for us to think we can, much less try, to distance ourselves from the Colombian problem. Venezuela will never be able to distance itself from the problem, or even avoid its side effects, since not even Colombia...has been able to control it.... Venezuela's problem is not whether it agrees or disagrees with the solution [Plan Colombia] provided by the Colombian government. Instead, it is the fact that, like it or not, we have always been involved, and all that is left for us to do is to prepare ourselves for its effect on us.... We need to prepare a plan--a Plan Venezuela--so that we will not be caught unprepared in view of the critical situation we will face."

"A Dangerous Plan"

Influential, liberal El Nacional argued in its editorial (8/25): "As expected, Plan Colombia has unleashed the mother of all storms in neighboring countries.... The United States has chosen to go forward with the plan despite [human rights concerns], even though the Clinton administration has been...the most respectful [of human rights issues] in several decades.... The message being sent is that the rotten apples within the Colombian army can rest easy. U.S. analysts have indicated that the new U.S.-supported offensive will inevitably result in disruptions to and massive displacements of the population.... When the offensive begins, the borders will heat up. It's worth remembering that the areas of cultivation are along the borders. In those places there will be not just military clashes, but also a massive fumigation that will disturb the environmental balance. All of this will spark a crisis of refugees trying to flee from these threats.... Venezuela has every reason to be worried."

CANADA: "This Is Not A Fix"

The conservative National Post averred (9/2): "As whistle-stop visits go, it must have been one of the most expensive on record. [T]he U.S. president, spent Wednesday in Colombia and left behind $1.3 billion in military aid. The money, which makes Colombia the largest recipient of U.S. aid outside of the Middle East, is to be used to battle drug suppliers. But...that money would be better spent at home curtailing the demand for illegal drugs than abroad fighting a losing battle against their supply.... Any serious efforts to win the war on drugs must focus on demand instead of supply.... Only if Americans choose to stop buying drugs on their own can the drug war ever be won. This is a campaign that is more suited to the District of Columbia than the Republic of Colombia."

EUROPE

BRITAIN: "Colombian Drugs"

The independent Financial Times editorialized (9/1): "The United States has correctly identified the problem (but) Mr. Clinton's policy, with its emphasis on the eradication of coca and opium poppy cultivation in Colombia...is risky and incomplete.... A change in approach is needed. It must start from the premise that Colombian violence has now become linked with the profits of the global drugs trade. The United States needs to do more to engage its Latin American allies in developing a multilateral approach toward reducing the supply of drugs. But above all, the United States and other drug consuming countries must give more attention to efforts to reduce demand.... A cash injection for Colombia's government is not enough."

"The Gringos Land In Colombia"

The independent weekly Economist had this report from Bogota (9/1): "The visit was brief, amounting to not much more than an extended photo opportunity and a pat on the back for...Pastrana. Yet the symbolic meaning of Bill Clinton's few hours in...Cartagena...was great. It set the seal on a new strategic venture by the United States, the largest such commitment in its backyard since the Central American wars of the 1980s. The aim is not just to dent the drug trade, but to cut the flow of drug money to the FARC. Even so, the aid is controversial. Several of Colombia's neighbors fear that the aid will prompt an escalation in the war, and that fighting, refugees and the drug trade will spill across the country's borders. Into this complex, vicious and many-sided conflict the United States is now boldly treading."

FRANCE: "Clinton Declares War On Drugs"

Jean-Jacques Mevel held in right-of-center Le Figaro (8/30): "Beautiful Cartagena offers a deceptive backdrop to what must clearly be called a declaration of war.... The aid being offered to eliminate the drug cartels puts Colombia on the same level as Israel and Egypt, two of Washington's privileged allies.... But the means are on a par with the challenge.... It is the Colombian army that will receive the bulk of the aid, while Clinton has taken the precaution of making certain political and diplomatic remarks to reassure against fears in the United States that no U.S. advisor will be on the front lines.... Still, the chances of mistakes are real, especially during operations that are closer to war than policing."

GERMANY: "An American Dictate"

Bernd Picket held in left-of-center Die Tageszeitung of Berlin (9/1): "According to Clinton, this is a purely domestic Colombian conflict, with the United States limiting its role to the fight against drugs. This U.S. policy vis-à-vis Colombia reminds one of older U.S. patterns of trying to maintain hegemony in its Latin American backyard. While formerly it was the fight against communism which the United States used to justify the arming of Latin American military and despots as well as its own interventions, now it is the fight against drugs, which serves the same purpose."

ITALY: "Narcotraffickers Prevail So Far In War With U.S."

Alberto Pasolini Zanelli commented in leading, rightist opposition Il Giornale (9/1): "'This is no Vietnam,' insists Bill Clinton about Colombia. Yet it is not only the Colombian guerrilla groups and participants in several peaceful protest demonstrations who have a different opinion.... For years, Clinton has been proclaiming America's right to defend itself from the deadly business by destroying drug production. But, so far, it has failed to win the battle. [During] Clinton's presidency, drug imports have increased exactly seven and a half times. The Republican opposition is beginning to point that out, and Al Gore could pay the cost of that in November."

AUSTRIA: "Wrong Means, Wrong Place"

Martin Stricker commented in national, prestigious Salzburger Nachrichten (8/30): "The war will escalate. The neighboring countries fear that it will develop into a small Vietnam. Apart from this bloody development, nothing will change. Not a single gram of cocaine or heroin will disappear from the U.S. market. Where there is a demand, there will be supply.... In this context, the [U.S.] administration's attempt to abolish the supply with military assistance seems like a bad joke. It would be more promising, although less spectacular, to analyze--and to combat--the reasons for the demand. But then, the entire U.S. society--as well as the dream of the ever successful and strong--would have to undergo therapy."

BELGIUM: "Amnesty Fiercely Criticizes Plan Colombia"

Under the subtitle "Washington Pays, Europe Thinks," Veronique Kiesel weighed in on Amnesty International's criticism of Plan Colombia in left-of-center Le Soir (9/12): "Yet, Amnesty International pleads for a more active involvement of the international community in Colombia, but in another manner. The EU is currently debating this issue, but it is out of the question to grant any military assistance to Colombia, and Plan Colombia is viewed by Europeans with a lot of distrust. Yet, the Union would like to help this country, but it has not defined yet how."

THE NETHERLANDS: "U.S. Pays For 'New War' In South Colombia"

Influential, independent NRC Handelsblad commented (8/30): "The new meddling by Americans does not leave the continent unmoved. A day after Clinton threw a brotherly arm around the shoulders of the Colombian government in Cartagena, all the South American presidents, worried, arrived in the Brazilian capital.... Already today Brazilian President Cardoso and his Venezuelan colleague Chavez are having a tete-a-tete regarding the dreaded destabilization of the region as a result of the U.S. initiative."

RUSSIA: "Clinton The Redeemer"

Georgy Stepanov said in reformist Izvestiya (9/1): "Colombian President Pastrana sees Clinton as the only redeemer for his country.... The fact that the White House will virtually use force to fight the local narcotics mafia seriously worries Latin America. But Washington won't back down--the stakes are too high. Ninety percent of the cocaine and two thirds of the heroin in the American black market is from Colombia. So far, the United States, acting at home, has been unable to check that source of supply. Now it is moving the war to enemy territory."

SPAIN: "Colombia"

Business-oriented ABC wrote (9/9): "The reasons for the criticism are, at the very least, simplistic. The (Colombia) Plan is accused of being militaristic and of getting the U.S. Army into a new Vietnam. The reality, which can be easily verified, is that it is not a simple plan of military assistance to a country embroiled in civil war."

"Clinton's 'Vietnamization' Of Colombia"

Independent El Mundo judged (8/31): "During his visit to Cartagena, Clinton emphasized yesterday that the United States is not trying to meddle in the internal affairs of the country but to help eliminate its drugs and its mafia. But Pastrana has been accused by the opposition of becoming a puppet of his ally and of 'Vietnamizing' Colombia, while the guerrillas--who finance themselves through the cultivation of coca--were attacking barracks and spreading terror on the eve of the trip. We'll have to wait some years before judging if Pastrana's risky plan is successful."

"Colombia, Point Of Consensus"

Business-oriented ABC wrote (8/30): "The flood of distortions and half-truths which are being said and printed conceal an indisputable reality: 'Plan Colombia' is not a U.S. strategy but rather a fully Colombian initiative promoted by its president, Andres Pastrana."

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