COLOMBIA - NIGHT OF A THOUSAND DINNERS

UNCLAS BOGOTA 011694 SIPDIS PM/WRA STACY DAVIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PHUM PREL KHDP CO SUBJECT: COLOMBIA - NIGHT OF A THOUSAND DINNERS REF: STATE 219663 ¶1. (U) Embassy Bogota hosted a dinner on November 8 to raise awareness of the landmine problem in Colombia (reftel). Fifty guests, including members of the Vice Presidency's Anti-Personnel Mine Office, NGOs, the diplomatic corps, and international organizations, listened to remarks from landmine expert and Secretary of Government for Cundinamarca Department Gabriel Valderrama. He emphasized that a well-integrated approach, with special attention to victim assistance, was key to addressing the landmine problem. Press attended and expressed interest in publicizing the event. Guests commented that they were grateful for the opportunity to discuss anti-landmine strategies with a diverse group of knowledgeable counterparts. WOOD