U.S. Department of State Position on Government of Colombia Talks with Foreign Terrorist Organizations, January 2, 2003

U.S. Department of State Position on Government of Colombia Talks with Foreign Terrorist Organizations, January 2, 2003
Taken Questions
Office of the Spokesman
Washington, DC
January 2, 2003
Question Taken at January, 02, 2003 Daily Press Briefing

U.S. Position on Government of Colombia Talks with Foreign Terrorist Organizations

Question: What are our views of upcoming talks between the Colombian Government and the United Self Defense Forces? What do we think of the participation of individuals under indictment in the United States?

Answer: As Secretary of State Powell made clear during his recent trip to Colombia, support President Uribe’s efforts to end the long-term conflict in Colombia. The United Self Defense Forces (AUC) continues to merit its designation as a foreign terrorist organization. Indictments and extradition requests for individuals who have violated U.S. laws will remain in place. We will be monitoring closely as the government of Colombia moves forward to engage with the United Self Defense Forces and other groups on our list of foreign terrorist organizations.

As of January 9, 2003, this document was also available online at http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2003/16310.htm