FOREIGN
RELATIONS
In 1969, Colombia, along with Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and Peru, formed what is now the Andean Community. (Venezuela joined in 1973 and announced its departure in 2005; Chile left in 1976 and returned in 2006.) In the 1980s, Colombia broadened its bilateral and multilateral relations, joining the Contadora Group, the Group of Eight (now the Rio Group) and the Non-Aligned Movement, which it chaired from 1994 until September 1998. In addition, it has signed free trade agreements with Chile, Mexico, and Venezuela. The U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement (U.S.-CTPA) was signed by President Bush in November 2006, and was passed by the Colombian Congress in 2007. It was awaiting U.S. congressional approval as of late October 2008.
Colombia has traditionally played an active role in the United Nations and the Organization of American States and in their subsidiary agencies. Former President Gaviria became Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) in September 1994 and was re-elected in 1999. Colombia hosted the 38th OAS General Assembly in Medellin in early June 2008. Colombia has participated in all five Summits of the Americas, most recently in November 2005, and followed up on initiatives developed at the first two summits by hosting two post-summit, ministerial-level meetings on trade and science and technology. In March 2006, Bogota hosted the Sixth Regular Session of the Inter-American Committee against Terrorism.
U.S.-COLOMBIAN
RELATIONS
In 1822, the United States became one of the first countries to recognize the new republic and to establish a resident diplomatic mission. The U.S. Government estimates that 30,000 U.S. citizens are visiting or living in Colombia at any given time. Currently, there are approximately 250 American businesses conducting operations in Colombia.
During 1995-96, the United States and Colombia signed important agreements on environmental protection and civil aviation. The two countries have also signed agreements on asset sharing and chemical control. In 1997, the United States and Colombia signed an important maritime ship-boarding agreement to allow for search of suspected drug-running vessels. In September 2008, both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on renewable and clean energy.
During the Pastrana administration, relations with the United States improved significantly. The United States responded to the Colombian Government's request for international support for Plan Colombia by providing substantial assistance designed to increase Colombia's counter-narcotics capabilities and support human rights, humanitarian assistance, alternative development and economic and judicial reforms.
The U.S. has continued close cooperation with Colombia under the Uribe administration. Recognizing that terrorism and the illicit narcotics trade in Colombia are inextricably linked, the U.S. Congress granted new expanded statutory authorities in 2002 making U.S. assistance to Colombia more flexible in order to better support President Uribe's unified campaign against narcotics and terrorism.
The results thus far have been impressive, but much remains to be done. U.S. policy toward Colombia supports the Colombian Government's efforts to strengthen its democratic institutions, promote respect for human rights and the rule of law, intensify counter-narcotics efforts, foster socioeconomic development, address immediate humanitarian needs, and end the threats to democracy posed by narcotics trafficking and terrorism. Promoting security, stability, and prosperity in Colombia will continue as long-term American interests in the region.
DEFENSE
Colombia's Ministry of Defense is charged with the country's internal and
external defense and security, and exercises jurisdiction over an army,
navy--including marines and coast guard--air force, and national police under
the leadership of a civilian Minister of Defense. Real spending on defense has
increased every year since 2000, but especially so under President Uribe.
Colombian spending on defense more than doubled to U.S. $5.6 billion in 2007
from U.S. $2.6 billion in 2001. The security forces number about 390,000
uniformed personnel: 260,000 military and 130,000 police. President Uribe
instituted a wealth tax in 2002, which raised over U.S. $800 million, with 70%
used to increase 2002-2003 defense spending. A similar tax imposed from
2007-2011 and levied on the country's wealthiest individuals and enterprises is
expected to raise up to U.S. $3.7 billion.
Many Colombian military personnel receive training in the United States or from U.S. instructors in Colombia. The United States provides equipment to the Colombian military and police through the military assistance program, foreign military sales and the international narcotics control program.
Narcotics and Terrorism
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration estimates that more than 80% of the
worldwide cocaine supply and as much as 90% of the cocaine smuggled into the
United States is produced in Colombia.
The Colombian Government is committed to the eradication of all illicit crops, interdiction of illegal drug shipments and financial controls to prevent money laundering. Between 2004 and 2007, Colombian security forces interdicted almost 700 metric tons of cocaine, coca base, and heroin. Coca cultivation decreased by 10% from 2001 to 2007, while opium poppy cultivation decreased by 67% from 2001 to 2007. Terrorist groups in Colombia are actively engaged in narcotics production and trafficking. The FARC is believed responsible for more than half of the cocaine entering the United States.
Principal U.S. Embassy Officials
Ambassador--William R. Brownfield
Deputy Chief of Mission--Brian Nichols
Political Counselor--John S. Creamer
Economic Counselor--Lawrence J. Gumbiner
Consul General--David Meron (Acting)
Commercial Counselor--Margaret Hanson-Muse
Management Counselor--Kathleen Hodai
Military Group Commander--COL Kevin D. Saderup
Narcotics Affairs Section Director--Perry Holloway
Defense Attache--COL Mark Wilkin
Public Affairs Officer--Mark Wentworth
Regional Security Office--Michael Poehlitz
USAID Director--Liliana Ayalde
U.S. Embassy
Calle 22D Bis, No. 47-51
Bogota, Colombia
(tel: (571) 315-0811; fax: (571) 315-2197).
The mailing address is APO AA 34038.
