Pubdate: Sat, 24 Feb 2001
Source: Corpus Christi Caller-Times (TX)
Copyright: 2001 Corpus Christi Caller-Times
Address: P.O. Box 9136, Corpus Christi, TX 78469-9136
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Author: AP

COLUMBIA TO ASK U.S. TO LOWER ITS TRADE BARRIERS ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON - While drug-fighting is still a priority, Colombia's 
president comes to Washington next week eager to press for better 
trade opportunities, too, his ambassador says.

With Colombia mired in a recession, President Andres Pastrana is 
expected to ask President Bush and congressional leaders to lower 
U.S. trade barriers for textile manufacturers and other exporters 
from the Andean region.

"I think at this juncture this is definitely more important for 
Colombia right now," Ambassador Luis Moreno said. "It would send a 
message of hope."

Colombian officials have argued that lowering trade barriers would 
create more jobs at home, offering an alternative to Colombians who 
subsist on the lower rungs of the drug-trafficking industry.

A proposal to give Colombia trade benefits died in Congress last year 
despite support from then-President Clinton and top congressional 
leaders.

U.S. textile workers, concerned about losing jobs to low-cost South 
American labor, would fight any new proposal.

Colombia is the third-largest recipient of U.S. military aid and last 
year was the main beneficiary of a $1.3 billion anti-drug package. 
Most of that money was for helicopters and other equipment to provide 
security for drug eradication missions in areas held by leftist 
guerrillas.

U.S. officials have said more money will be needed this year to 
maintain military equipment, promote alternative crops and boost 
social programs, as well as help neighboring countries so the drug 
trade and civil war don't spill across borders.
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