U/S BURNS' OCTOBER 25 MEETING WITH COLOMBIAN

UNCLAS BOGOTA 010325

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OVIP PREL PGOV PHUM PTER KJUS CO
SUBJECT: U/S BURNS' OCTOBER 25 MEETING WITH COLOMBIAN
PROSECUTOR GENERAL IGUARAN



1. (U) October 25, 2006; 1300PM.


2. (U) Participants in Iguaran Meeting:

U.S.

Under Secretary Burns
Assistant Secretary for WHA Thomas P. Shannon
Ambassador William B. Wood
Deputy Assistant Attorney General Mary Lee Warren
NSC - Dan Tomlinson
Attorney Advisor Patricia Pugh, L
Political Counselor John Creamer
P Special Assistant Heide Bronke
Political Officer David M. Zimov (notetaker)

COLOMBIA

Prosecutor General Mario Iguaran
Acting Deputy Prosecutor General Ramiro Marin
Chief of Antinarcotics Unit Camilo Bula
Office of International Affairs and CTI Director Marilu Mendez


3. (U) Summary. Prosecutor General Mario Iguaran emphasized
the critical role the Fiscalia plays on major
issues of common concern: narcotics, human rights, and
justice and peace. Colombia's transition from an
inquistorial toward an accusatory system was also
highlighted. End summary.


4. (U) Under Secretary Burns expressed support for the
efforts of the Fiscalia, particularly in the area of
justice and peace (J&P),and stressed the importance of
U.S.-Colombia partnership in combating drug trafficking and
terrorist groups. With respect to the J&P law, Burns voiced
the concerns raised by some human rights groups and
members of Congress that the law is too lenient and should
include stronger penalties. He said strict implementation of
the law would be key, and noted that the Fiscalia's role
would be critical. Burns also emphasized the importance of
human rights and the need to resolve long-standing human
rights cases. Progress in these areas would be critical in
maintaining U.S. Congressional support for assistance to
Colombia. Burns thanked the Fiscal for Colombian help on
extradition.


5. (U) Deputy Attorney General Mary Lee Warren emphasized
the importance of cooperation between the Department of
Justice and the Fiscalia, as well as U.S. training and
technical assistance for the Fiscalia's J&P efforts. She
reiterated U.S. concerns regarding human rights cases,
particularly the Jamundi case. Assistant Secretary Thomas
Shannon emphasized the importance of a strong justice system,
noting that an effective justice system contributes to
national development. He also stressed the USG commitment to
work with the Fiscalia. Ambassador Wood said
the Fiscalia is central to every aspect of U.S.-Colombia
relations, citing in particular extradition and J&P. He
reiterated our commitment to help the GoC bring paramilitary
leaders to justice, and our admiration for the
efforts of the Fiscalia Human Rights Unit. He also
emphasized the importance of concrete action on human
rights cases such as Jamundi, Mapiripan, and Arauca.


6. (U) Iguaran thanked Under Secretary Burns for continued
USG assistance. U.S. help was essential to GoC efforts to
combat criminal groups and implement the J&P law. He
reiterated his commitment to an effective extradition
relationship as well as his determination to resolve human
rights cases such as Jamundi. He agreed on the critical
role the Fiscalia has in the implementation of the J&P law.
He explained that the J&P Unit, as required by law, had
notified victims of pending confessions, and that the
Fiscalia had to allow the 20-day notification period to run
before beginning the confession (version libre) process. This
20-day period will expire in the first week of November for
the six paramilitary leaders--including Salvador Mancuso--who
have ratified their intention to seek J&P benefits. Iguaran
emphasized that he is committed to implementing the Justice
and Peace law, and said he expects
prosecutors will not accept confessions of offenses committed
prior to membership in illegally armed organizations. He
also said judges will not grant benefits to demobilized
members if they do not confess all of the offenses they
committed as members of illegally armed groups.
WOOD