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