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