Pubdate: Thu, 28 Jun 2001
Source: Minneapolis Star-Tribune (MN)
Copyright: 2001 Star Tribune
Contact:  http://www.startribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/266
Author: Associated Press

US CRITICIZES EUROPE ON DRUG FIGHT

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Lawmakers and the Bush administration expressed 
frustration Thursday with the aid European nations have provided so far to 
help drug fighting efforts in the Andean nations of South America.

"One-third of the cocaine from this region is now headed for Europe," said 
Rep. Benjamin Gilman, R-N.Y., " and places like Holland, Belgium and others 
in Europe provide large uncontrolled quantities of the precursor chemicals 
to the region that help make the drugs, which, in turn, flow back to Europe."

The Bush administration has budgeted $882 million in aid for a drug 
fighting effort targeting several Andean nations in a follow-up program to 
" Plan Colombia" that directs more attention to social and economic 
programs than last year' s military-heavy plan.

Last year, the United States provided Colombia with $1.3 billion in aid, 
mostly in combat helicopters and other military assistance. Bordering 
countries soon sought similar U.S. aid as they detected Colombian narcotics 
producers moving in and other effects of " Plan Colombia" spilling over 
their borders.

So far, Europe has provided $300 million to the effort, said Michael Deal 
of the U.S. Agency for International Development' s Latin American bureau.

Deal called the contribution substantial, but disappointing.

" We think they could do a lot more, " he told members of the House 
International Relations Subcommittee.

However, now that the U.S. has widened its focus from Colombia to the 
entire Andean region -- and shifted from a military emphasis to a more 
balanced approach -- European nations are indicating a willingness to help 
more, said William Brownfield, a deputy assistant secretary of state 
dealing with Western Hemisphere matters.

" But I don' t wish to understate this case. We had hoped for more. We are 
disappointed so far, " Brownfield said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth