U.S. Continues Military Support for Colombia

Throughout July and August, news circulated in Colombia and the United States about a deal between both countries that would permit the U. S. military to use between 2 and 7 Colombian military bases.  Nevertheless the United States government has yet to openly discuss any of the issues related to this possible agreement, and leaves many questions unanswered as to how these bases may be used.  At the same time, Colombia’s neighboring Latin American countries have expressed serious concern regarding these potential bases, even calling a meeting for the heads of state to discuss the issue.

An increase in U.S. military presence represents continued support for the Colombian military despite its ongoing, well-documented violations of human rights. In other words, it will deepen the already entrenched failures of Plan Colombia.  The U.S. must start to focus on humanitarian and social aid rather than continuing with failed military strategies.

In the September 10, 2009 Dear Colleague letter to Congress circulated by State Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI),  congress members asked President Obama to use caution in the plans to use Colombian bases given the history of human rights violations.  For more information and to see the Dear Colleague letter, see http://www.forcolombia.org/Sept09-Dear-Colleague.

However, just days before the Dear Colleague letter closed, the U.S. State Department certified to Congress that Colombia and its military are meeting criteria related to human rights and paramilitary groups.  This certification allows the transfer of $32.1 million in withheld funds aimed at assisting Colombia in combating illegal armed groups and drug trafficking.

Funds will be used for aviation and helicopter support for the Colombian army, assistance for ground forces, and assistance for the military’s maritime interdiction programs.

Since 2000, the U.S. has provided Colombia with more than $7 billion in military aid according to the Congressional Research Service.

“There is no question that improvement must be made in certain areas; however, the Colombian government has made significant efforts to increase the security of its people and to promote respect for human rights by its armed forces and has thereby met the certification criteria,” stated State Department spokesman Ian Kelly. The certification was made Sept. 8.

Colombia continues to be the world leader in assasinations and violence against trade unionists, with 25 murdered union leaders in 2009 alone.  Government collusion with paramilitary groups also continues to be a concern given the recent DAS scandal that brought to light the Colombian government's illegal surveillance and wiretapping of human rights' organizations and unions.