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 Feedback: http://www.caller.com/commcentral/email_ed.htm Website: http://www.caller.com/ 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Kirk Bauer