Proposed FY 2007 Demobilization Assistance

UNCLAS BOGOTA 006141 SIPDIS FOR INL, ALSO FOR WHA E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ABUD PREL EAID SNAR CO SUBJECT: Proposed FY 2007 Demobilization Assistance Ref: A) Bogota 4342 B) INL-Embassy Bogota Emails ¶1. (U) Post has requested that a total of $476.753 million in FY2007 Andean Counterdrug Initiative funds be allocated for all Counter Narcotics and Anticrime Assistance programs (Ref A.) In view of the prospect that the GOC will negotiate the demobilization of large numbers of internal combatants, post proposes to proceed with a request for USAID to expend $14.5 million in FY2007 funds for programs under the general heading of "Reincorporation to Civilian Life." With this approved additional funding, USAID's Reincorporation to Civilian Life program will be able to expand assistance to the GOC efforts to demobilize, disarm and reincorporate back into civilian life thousands of illegal armed group (IAG) members. Colombia is now at a crucial crossroads in its efforts to greatly diminish the negative affects of narco-terrorism. Through USG assistance and the Reincorporation to Civilian Life program, the GOC has the opportunity to help establish itself as a peaceful nation whose citizens may benefit from lasting sustainable social and economic development. This request is detailed more fully in Ref A. ¶2. (U) As discussed in Ref B, the total ACI funds requested for activities included under the broader heading of "Promoting Social and Economic Progress" is $139.3 million: Support for Democracy - $19 million; Alternative Development - $83.3 million; Support to Vulnerable Groups and IDPs - $22.5 million; Reincorporation to Civilian Life - $14.5 million. WOOD