Statement on "U.S. Policy Support to the Government of Colombia," U.S. Embassy Bogotá, August 24, 2001

Statement on "U.S. Policy Support to the Government of Colombia," U.S. Embassy Bogotá, August 24, 2001
U.S. Policy Support to the Government of Colombia

In response to recent press reports speculating on U.S. policy support to the Government of Colombia, the Embassy of the United States would like to issue the following clarification:

The Bush Administration has a clear and consistent policy toward Colombia. That policy is to combat narcotics trafficking and to support democracy and social and economic development in Colombia. Both President Bush and the Secretary of State have expressed their full support for Plan Colombia and the Andean Regional Initiative.

The United States Government has consistently and publicly acknowledged that the only permanent solution to Colombia's problems is a permanent, negotiated peace settlement. Any decision on the "despeje" is a sovereign decision of the Government of Colombia. President Pastrana has made unprecedented efforts to advance the peace process in Colombia. The United States Government fully supports those efforts. The Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) have not made reciprocal efforts to further peace. They continue to hold and abuse kidnap victims and to engage in narcotics trafficking. Such activities are not consistent with the peace process.

Next week, Under Secretary of State Marc Grossman will lead the first high-level delegation to visit Colombia during the Bush Administration. Under Secretary Grossman and delegation members will meet with President Pastrana and Colombian Government officials to underscore continuing U.S. support for Colombia.

Bogotá, D.C.
August 24, 2001

As of September 5, 2001, this document was also available online at http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/co1/wwwhpc33.html