Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jul 2000
Source: Albany Times Union (NY)
Copyright: 2000, Capital Newspapers Division of The Hearst Corporation, Albany,
Contact:  http://www.timesunion.com/
Author: Tomassina N. Panepinto

PUBLIC MUST BE TOLD OF ABUSES IN COLOMBIA

I am concerned with the scant coverage in the Times Union of what is 
happening to the people of Colombia, especially in view of the large amount 
of foreign aid the country receives from the United States. Prior to the 
recent passage of the supplemental assistance bill by both the Senate and 
the House of Representatives, Colombia was already the third largest 
recipient of foreign aid. This aid is almost exclusively military aid.

It is important that citizens are aware of how their tax dollars are spent 
and why. They have the right to know that funds are sent in their name to 
support a military that is notorious for its record of human rights abuses.

On July 8, six members of the Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado were 
massacred by 20 hooded men while members of the 17th Army Brigade of the 
Colombian army were in the area and while a helicopter of this same brigade 
hovered overhead. Two days prior to this event, members of the Peace 
Community saw two soldiers of this same brigade plant two fragmentation 
grenades nearby and were told of the army's intent to enter the community 
with the paramilitaries and kill its residents.

The Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado has been in existence for 40 
months. Its residents insist upon their neutrality, refusing to be drawn 
into taking sides in this battle involving the military, the paramilitary 
and the guerrillas.

The House of Representatives and the Senate both recently passed bills 
approving allocations of over a billion dollars to support this military, 
which routinely collaborates with paramilitary forces in the massacre and 
displacement of the people of Colombia.

I think the Times Union has the responsibility to inform its readers of 
what is happening in Colombia.

Tomassina N. Panepinto, Altamont
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jo-D