Pubdate: Sat, 17 Jun 2000
Source: Daily Yomiuri (Japan)
Copyright: 2000 The Yomiuri Shimbun
Contact:  http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/main/main-e.htm

G-8 ADDS COLOMBIA TO AGENDA

Leaders of the Group of Eight major nations attending the Okinawa Summit in 
July will call for international support to address issues facing 
Colombia--a nation plagued by guerrilla activities financed by illegal 
profits from cocaine and marijuana production--government sources revealed 
to The Yomiuri Shimbun on Friday.

A joint statement by the G-8 leaders in support of revitalizing Colombia's 
economy is expected to be released. It is the first time that Colombian 
issues will be discussed at a G-8 summit meeting.

The government will also give independent financial and technological 
support to the country, in addition to the joint support that will be 
announced at the summit.

Cocaine production in Colombia has recently been increasing. There were 
over 100,000 hectares of coca plantations in the country in 1998--the 
world's largest production area.

The amount of refined cocaine reached 480 tons in 1999, accounting for more 
than 50 percent of total world production.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart