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Colombia Support Network's Statement on Increased U.S. Military Presence in Colombia by Colombia Support Network
The Colombia Support Network (CSN), which has worked for the last 16 years to promote a negotiated resolution of the conflict in Colombia, is very disappointed by the action of the conference committee of the US Congress in voting to support an increase of US military personnel in Colombia from 400 to 800 persons and of private US contract workers from 400 to 600. This increase provides support for militaristic policies of the Colombian government which have resulted in numerous human rights abuses. It will also further draw the United States into the Colombian conflict, a war in which hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians have lost their lives and which, through actions of illegal paramilitaries supported by elements of the Colombian army, has led to displacement of some four million Colombians from their homes. We are also distressed to learn that General James T. Hill, chief of the US Southern Command, was given a role in the decision-making process in the Congress. He reportedly helped determine the provisions of the final draft of the legislation to increase US troop strength in Colombia and to raise the permitted number of civilian contract workers there. We are very concerned that the Congress, by essentially permitting General Hill to dictate to it the terms of legislation on Colombia, is further ceding authority to the executive branch of our government and undermining the constitutional checks and balances among the three branches of our national government We call upon the Congress to give an equal voice to non-governmental organizations working for peace in Colombia when debating and deciding upon US policy for Colombia. We ask our chapters and members nationwide to seek pledges for such a role from their Senators and Representatives. Colombia needs a negotiated peace, not a greater emphasis on misguided, destructive military solutions. Colombia Support Network |
