Pubdate: Tue, 24 Apr 2001 Source: Seattle Times (WA) Copyright: 2001 The Seattle Times Company Contact: http://www.seattletimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/409 EVOLUTION OF A POLICY: A TIMELINE Here is a brief timeline of how the United States became involved in interdicting drug-laden planes in Peru. 1986: President Reagan issues a directive declaring that combating drug trafficking is a national priority. With host country consent, U.S. military forces and assets can be used, in supporting but not lead roles, to detect and interdict drug traffickers. 1989: President Bush approves a $2.2 billion, five-year Andean Initiative to help Bolivia, Colombia and Peru dismantle drug-trafficking operations, eradicate coca crops and encourage farmers to grow substitute crops. More law-enforcement, military and economic aid is offered. 1993: President Clinton issues a directive to improve U.S. efforts to help other countries combat drug trafficking. Effort includes more intelligence sharing and increased cooperation, including more U.S. anti-drug aid and materiel for foreign militaries. 1994: The National Defense Authorization Act allows U.S. forces and employees to assist foreign nations in intercepting drug planes. The U.S. can participate only where operational command remains with the host country, there is _reasonable suspicion_ of trafficking, and the intercepted pilot ignores a series of clear warnings. 1995: Peru starts U.S.-backed Air Bridge Denial Program aimed at disrupting cocaine air shipments from Peru to Colombia. U.S. intelligence data and reconnaissance are used to locate suspect aircraft, intercept them and shoot or ground them. Peruvian commanders direct all interdiction operations. - -- Knight Ridder Newspapers - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens