Santos seeks continuation Plan Colombia

Colombia's Ministry of Defense announced it will try to establish talks with U.S. President-elect Barack Obama to seek the continuation of Plan Colombia, a multi-billion dollar joint operation to fight the production of coca in Colombia.

"We want to establish a communication with the new team of President Barack Obama to talk about some initiatives we have and some they have so that the continuity of Plan Colombia is ensured," Colombia's Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos told newspaper El Espectador.

The U.S. government recognizes the success President Álvaro Uribe's administration had in the fight against drug trafficking and terrorist organizations, Santos said despite a U.S. congress report saying Plan Colombia has not met its targets and hasn't been able to curb the production of coca in Colombia.

However, "Plan Colombia is not at stake. There may be some discussion on elements within the program, but we all know that with time things would change," the Minister said.

Santos doesn't epect reduction of aid beyond what already has been announced or could be expected.

The U.S. government over the past six years invested US$5 billion in the destruction of coca fields and the Government's fight against leftist rebels, right wing paramilitaries and drug traffickers.

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written by John, November 07, 2008

If,over a 5 year period,coca production increased by 15% and by 4% over the last year,how much would it have increased without eradication efforts by the U.S and Colombia?Maybe there is a need to bolster these efforts.

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written by Monito, November 07, 2008

I don't suppose the 5 billion in a failed plan came from your pocket? What do you want? More war? Heavier chemicals? More civilians killings? Who are you? George W.?

The coca production has only adapted and will only adapt to the demand. As long as there's people that like snorting coke, someone will (illegally) grow coca. They're not going to grow too much, because that would make the coke too cheap. Works the same with oil. If the price drops, they cut down on production.

Just like the report said, Plan Colombia was a half bad idea, time to improve it. Let's get some food and jobs to those who are starving and unemployed.

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written by Gregory, November 07, 2008

Do you really expect to stop the production of coke? All you do with spraying is creating more anti-government. What would you do if a spray plane flew over your home and sprayed your kids and killed all of your years food supply? We must work toward rebuilding communities, education, and the creation of jobs. First hand knowledge of this is in my own family. My cousin did over 7 years in a federal prison for flying drugs because he did not rat on anyone. While my cousin was rich for a few years he is now broke after the government took it all away. I started working in the oil industry at $20 per day. I am still not rich but after 20 years what little I own is mine and the government can’t take it away.