Up to $1.635 billion in aid to Colombia through year 2002 -- anti drug
legislation aimed at providing peace and stability in Colombia: "The
Alianza Act of 1999".
Would mobilize the military to fight the war against illicit coca and
opium poppy. Concern that the "narcoguerrilla threat" might cause similar
outbreaks of violence and instability in neighboring countries.
$540 million to support Colombian government new programs to attack
the new cultivation of illicit coca and opium poppy in southern Colombia --
funds for helicopters, additional eradication aircraft, communications
gear; and intelligence and communications training and equipment.
$200 million to increase nationwide air interdiction programs --
airborne and ground-based radar, new aerial refueling aircraft, remote
airfield construction, and fuel supplies for illicit flight interception.
$205 million for updated equipment, parts and aircraft to the
Colombian National Police and the Colombian Navy n their efforts to combat
drug-trafficking.
$100 million to bolster human rights and rule-of-law programs in
Colombia, focusing on judicial assistance reform such as training of
Colombian prosecutors, judges and other judicial officials and
strengthening of existing human rights monitors within the ranks of the
military; a certain percentage of total U.S. military aid to Colombia
military would go to monitoring; displaced population aid, providing
humanitarian assistance (temporary resettlement, food and non-food aid to
forcibly displaced population); and support to the Colombian Attorney
General's office (Proc. General) to investigate and prosecute members of
Colombian Security Forces and "irregular forces" involved in drug
trafficking or human rights violations.
$505 million for drug interdiction programs; "the narcoguerrilla
threat in Colombia could cause dangerous instability in neighboring
countries."
$180 million for alternative development programs ($50 million to
Colombia, $90 million to Bolivia and $40 million to Peru).
Senator Dewine said: "Without a strong Colombia, narco-traffickers
will flourish, an abundant and steady flow of illicit drugs will head for
the United States, one of our largest export markets in the Western
Hemisphere will continue to falter, and a neighboring democratic government
will further erode."
Specifics:
Support for deploying the Colombian Army's first counterdrug battalion
in southern Colombia, as well as training and outfitting two additional
counterdrug battalions.
Funds for up to 15 Blackhawk or comparable transport helicopters,
communications gear, intelligence and communications training and equipment
for Army and Navy operations in southern Colombia.
Funds for more eradication aircraft for the Colombian National Police
and to support their joint operations with the military in southern
Colombia.
Huey upgrade kits and forward-look infrared radar systems for U.S.
provided Hueys to the Colombian National Police.
For Colombia's Navy -- 6 patrol planes, 4 helicopters, FLIR systems and
14 excess U.S. patrol craft (10 40-ft. and 4 82-ft boats).
Up to 1% of total security assistance to the Colombian military for
monitoring the use of U.S. assistance by the Colombian armed forces.
Funds to aid Colombia's Attorney General's office, and for training of
Colombian prosecutors, judges and other Colombian judicial officials; and
for witness protection; and for "internationally-recognized human rights
groups"; and for Colombian military and police training through U.S. JAG
training; and to strengthen existing human rights monitors within the
military.
For international observers to monitor compliance with any future peace
accord as well as for humanitarian assistance to the forcibly displaced
populations of Colombia.
