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| US Seeks to Protect Colombia Pipeline |
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Posted by FoM on March 22, 2002 at 17:33:01 PT By George Gedda, Associated Press Writer Source: Associated Press 
The Bush administration said Friday it is seeking $6 million in new money for Colombia to protect an oil pipeline that has been a frequent target of terrorist attacks. This is in addition to a previously announced request of $25 million to help Colombia combat terrorist kidnappings, and $4 million to expand the reach of Colombia's police to areas previously not under government control. The combined $35 million request was sent to Congress Thursday night as part of a broader package to finance the war on terrorism. Earlier this year, the administration asked Congress for $98 million for the pipeline protection project, but earmarked it for the fiscal year that begins in October. State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said the administration wants to get an early start on the project. Repeated rebel attacks on the pipeline last year cost the Colombian economy hundreds of millions of dollars. The $98 million request was a clear signal that the administration wanted military aid to go beyond counter-narcotics efforts. Congress has insisted on that limitation for years. Thursday's request to Congress codified the administration's intention, disclosed last week, that it wants an end to all restrictions that limit the use of military aid. This would enable the administration to help Colombia go after not only narcotraffickers but also three armed groups that the officials contend are terrorist organizations. They are the leftist FARC and ELN groups and the anti-communist AUC. All derive much of their operating funds from illicit narcotics sales. At a news conference Friday, Colombian Ambassador Luis Alberto Moreno said he welcomed the U.S. commitment to help Colombia combat kidnappings, which total an estimated 3,000 a year. ``This has a tremendous impact on foreign investment in the country,'' Moreno said. He said the $6 million for pipeline protection would be used to train those who would guard the pipeline. The $98 million is addition to $435 million the administration has requested in assistance to Colombia for the next fiscal year. Moreno said the administration's interest in helping Colombia sends a message to terrorists: ``Their days are numbered.'' He was due to fly to Lima Friday night to confer with President Andres Pastrana in advance of Saturday's meeting there involving President Bush and four Andean regional presidents. In addition to Pastrana and Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo, the meeting also will be attended by the presidents of Ecuador and Bolivia. On Monday, Asa Hutchinson, the director of the Drug Enforcement Administration, will travel to Colombia for talks with Pastrana and other officials on D.E.A activities in Colombia. Source: Associated Press Related Articles & Web Site: Colombia Drug War News Bush Seeks $27B More for Terror War Oil a Key to U.S. Role in Colombia When War is Over, Oil Dealers Will Be Winners Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
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| Comment #3 posted by Toker00 on March 23, 2002 at 05:11:29 PT |
| Hi, FoM. The BIGGEST answer is..."but many don't want to listen because of dollar signs in their eyes." Another answer might be: "Can't be SOFT ON DRUGS, can we?" Or: "We don't want to send the wrong message to the CHILDREN." And so forth...but it is ultimately the answer you gave yourself. All the other answers hide behind that one. Either way, the answers are unacceptable. VOTE EM' OUT! Peace. Realize, then Legalize. [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #2 posted by FoM on March 22, 2002 at 22:19:59 PT |
| Why do U.S. taxpapers have to pay to guard a pipeline in another country? We pay at the gas pump. Why doesn't the U.S. firm Occidental Petroleum Corp. take care of their own security issues? They're the ones that make the money. That's private industry. I guess it's just like bailing out the airline industry after 9-11. My opinion is if there are fewer planes flying now it will be less pollution and we need to stop polluting this earth. ( Grow Hemp) A big iceberg is now floating around and changes in the environment are trying to tell us something is really wrong but many don't want to listen because of dollar signs in their eyes.
Oil Rigged - Americas.org [ Post Comment ] |
| Comment #1 posted by Toker00 on March 22, 2002 at 22:04:34 PT |
| "The Bush administration said Friday it is seeking $6 million in new money for Colombia to protect an oil pipeline that has been a frequent target of terrorist attacks." All those BILLIONS, to protect ONE, pipeline. Leave the poison in the ground, boys. Grow Cannabis, and make the earth healthy. And HAPPY. Peace. Realize, then Legalize. [ Post Comment ] |
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