Pubdate: Fri, 22 Jun 2001
Source: Salt Lake Tribune (UT)
Copyright: 2001 The Salt Lake Tribune
Contact:  http://www.sltrib.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/383
Source: Salt Lake Tribune (UT)

ANDEAN COUNTRIES SEEK PACTS AT SUMMIT

CARACAS -- Andean nations are seeking a common approach to free trade 
and illegal drugs -- issues some leaders in the turbulent region 
complain are too often dominated by U.S. policy.

The presidents of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela will 
meet this weekend to discuss ways to combat narcotics trafficking in 
the world's largest cocaine-producing region.

One goal is to prevent eradication of drug crops in one country from 
driving growers into neighboring states, said Victor Rico, who heads 
the Community of Andean Nations, a subregional organization.

Some Andean leaders say successful coca eradication efforts in 
Bolivia and Peru have increased production in Colombia.

Andean unity remains an elusive goal amid economic turmoil in Bolivia 
and Ecuador, guerrilla warfare in Colombia and political upheaval in 
Peru and Venezuela.
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe