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I
believe that peace is possible in Colombia, but not through more military
aid and fumigation.
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Plan
Colombia was supposed to be a five-year policy that would reduce drug availability
on U.S. streets. By the U.S. government's own account, it has failed. 2004
saw the largest aerial spray campaign ever in Colombia, but the amount of
coca in Colombia did not budge an inch - it actually went up slightly! This
statistic is according to U.S. government figures. We need a new approach
that combines social assistance in Colombia with drug treatment and prevention
programs at home - not more of the same failed policy.
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I
urge my representative and senators to stand up for a new U.S. policy towards
Colombia that supports human rights and the environment, and strengthens
peace and justice.
On the San José Case:
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I'm
extremely concerned about violence against innocent civilians in Colombia.
In February, 8 civilians, including three children, were massacred in the
Peace Community of San José de Apartadó. The community holds the Colombian
military responsible for this massacre. The United Nations has found that
direct human rights violations by the Colombian military have increased
in recent years; I don't believe that the United States should give more
money to a military with such a horrendous human rights record.
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With
respect to the San José de Apartadó case, I ask that you instruct the State
Department not to certify that Colombia has met the human rights conditions
necessary to receive U.S. aid. A full and transparent investigation
should be conducted to ensure that the perpetrators of the San José massacre
are brought to justice.
