Press release by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts), January 15, 2002

Press release by Rep. Jim McGovern (D-Massachusetts), January 15, 2002

STATEMENT OF U.S. REP. JIM MCGOVERN ON COLOMBIA

January 15, 2002

"I am very disturbed by reports that the Administration is considering expanding American involvement in fighting Colombia's civil war - a conflict that has been going on for 40 years.

"Along with the international community, we should be using our prestige and influence to help broker a peace to end the violence, not escalate it.

"There are no good guys in white hats in Colombia - not the guerrillas, not the paramilitaries, and not the Colombian military. That military is not exactly filled with Jeffersonian democrats. In many cases, soldiers work hand-in-hand with the paramilitaries that are responsible for the majority of the civilian massacres and other human rights violations in that country. I have great respect for President Pastrana, but that respect does not extend to a Colombian military that has a terrible human rights record.

"Anyone who thinks that deepening our involvement would produce quick success should study their history. We should learn from past engagements in Latin America that it is much better to be on the side of peace - not the side of war.

"Colombia is a huge and complicated country. Indeed, we have already spent billions of U.S. taxpayer dollars in an effort to stop the drug trade, only to see an increase in coca cultivation.

"I will strongly urge the Administration not to go down this road, and will do everything I can in Congress to help develop a Colombia policy based on peace, economic development and proven, effective ways to combat the drug trade."