    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [January 11, 2000]
    [Page 26]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement Announcing an Assistance Package for Colombia
    January 11, 2000

        Today I am announcing an urgently needed, 2-year funding package to
    assist Colombia in vital counterdrug efforts aimed at keeping illegal
    drugs off our shores. It will also help Colombia promote peace and
    prosperity and deepen its democracy. Building on our current efforts,
    over this year and next, our resulting support would total over $1.6
    billion.

        President Pastrana's inauguration in
    August 1998 brought to Colombia a new spirit of hope--for deeper
    democracy, for broader prosperity, for an end to that country's long
    civil conflict. But increased drug production and trafficking, coupled
    with a serious economic recession and sustained violence, have put that
    progress in peril.

        President Pastrana has responded with a
    bold agenda--Plan Colombia. It provides a solid, multifaceted strategy
    that the United States should support with substantial assistance. We
    have a compelling national interest in reducing the flow of cocaine and
    heroin to our shores and in promoting peace, democracy, and economic
    growth in Colombia and the region. Given the magnitude of the drug
    trafficking problem and their current economic difficulties, neither the
    Government of Colombia nor its neighbors can carry the full burden
    alone.

        In fiscal year 2000, much of our support will be focused on a one-
    time infusion of funds to help boost Colombia's interdiction and
    eradication capabilities, particularly in the south.

        The package will also include assistance for economic development,
    protection of human rights, and judicial reform.

        Our bilateral aid to Colombia will be supplemented by multilateral
    agencies. The World Bank and Inter-American Development Bank are
    considering hundreds of millions of dollars in loans for Colombia next
    year. The IMF has already pledged a $2.7 billion extended fund facility
    to help jump-start the economy. And we will also continue to encourage
    our allies to assist Colombia.

        The obstacles to a better future for Colombia are substantial. We
    expect it will require years before the full benefits of Plan Colombia
    are felt. But I believe that with our support and that of other donors,
    Plan Colombia can soon accelerate Colombia's nascent economic recovery.
    Over the longer haul, we can expect to see more effective drug
    eradication and increased interdiction of illicit drug shipments.

        Strengthening stability and democracy in Colombia and fighting the
    drug trade there is in our fundamental national interest. So, with
    President Pastrana and with our Congress, we
    must and we will intensify this vital work.