Direct U.S. Aid to Colombia Likely

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

March 23, 2002

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- Washington appears closer than ever to directly helping Colombia in its war against guerrillas, but critics warn that such a move could lead to growing aid demands in the future.

President Bush and Colombia's leader were to meet Saturday at an Andean summit in Lima, Peru, two days after the Bush administration asked Congress to end restrictions that limit U.S. military assistance to Colombia to counter-narcotics activities. Lawmakers were also considering a request for an additional $29 million to help Colombia combat terrorist kidnappings and reinforce its police.

With Colombia hanging on the precipice of a bloodier civil war, the country's armed forces chief urged further action from Washington.

"If the United States has decided to declare war on terrorism, it should combat terrorism in the whole world, and Colombia is the country where most terrorist actions are carried out," Gen. Fernando Tapias said Friday.

President Andres Pastrana asked the United States to allow U.S.-donated helicopters and U.S.-trained counternarcotics troops to be used for battling guerrillas -- whether or not they're involved in narcotics production.

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