[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 2 (Monday, January 17, 2000)]
[Pages 50-51]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Statement Announcing Assistance to Colombia's Counterdrug Efforts

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 jumpstart 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,

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is in our fundamental national interest. So, with President Pastrana and 
with our Congress, we must and we will intensify this vital work.