Pubdate: Sat, 23 Dec 2000
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2000 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  PO Box 120191, San Diego, CA, 92112-0191
Fax: (619) 293-1440
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NEIGHBORS TOLD TO BACK COLOMBIA

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- Instead of complaining that a U.S.-backed 
anti-drug war might cause the conflict to spill across its borders, 
Colombia's neighbors should join the effort, the country's foreign minister 
said.

All five countries bordering Colombia have expressed concern about a 
military offensive aimed at wresting control of Colombia's drug-producing 
plantations from armed groups that "tax" the narcotics industry and earn 
huge profits.

"Colombia wishes there to be solidarity and cooperation among its friends," 
Foreign Minister Guillermo Fernandez de Soto said in an interview, adding 
that Colombia's neighbors share some responsibility -- at least indirectly 
- -- for the violence.

Colombia has said some weapons captured from rebels came from Venezuelan 
security forces. Former security force members in Peru have also been 
implicated in gunrunning to Colombian rebels.
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