Comment Of Sen. Patrick Leahy,
Chairman Of The Appropriations Subcommittee
That Funds U.S. Assistance To Colombia,
On The Resignation Of Colombia’s Foreign Minister
February 19, 2007

“The symbiotic relationship between the paramilitaries and the Colombian government has been known for years.  These illegal groups have been labeled terrorist organizations by the Bush Administration, but the Colombian government is not simply a victim of their corrupt influences.  Too often it has tolerated them, colluded with them, and some members of paramilitaries have wielded political power. 

“The resignation of the Foreign Minister and the recent arrests of Members of the Colombian Congress are positive, though overdue, steps, but they leave many questions unanswered.  As the new U.S. Congress takes stock of this situation and the justification for continued U.S. outlays to Colombia, American taxpayers deserve assurances that the Colombian government has severed links to these terrorist groups and is prosecuting those involved, seizing their ill gotten assets and making reparations to their victims.” 

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