REPRESENTATIVE BLUNT MEETS WITH VICE PRESIDENT

UNCLAS BOGOTA 006329 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KJUS PGOV PINR PREL PTER CO SUBJECT: REPRESENTATIVE BLUNT MEETS WITH VICE PRESIDENT SANTOS ¶1. Summary: Representative Roy Blunt (R-MO) met with Vice President Santos on August 22 to discuss counter narcotics cooperation and prospects for U.S. congressional approval of the bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA). Santos voiced optimism regarding degradation of the FARC's network and continued success on joint drug eradication programs. He reiterated the GOC's commitment to human rights and protection of labor unionists. Santos urged the U.S. Congress to approve the FTA before the end of the year, saying failure to do so would weaken the U.S. position in the region. End Summary. ¶2. U.S. Participants: Representative Roy Blunt CDA Brian Nichols Brian Diffell, Office of the Republican Whip Poloff (notetaker) Colombia Participants: Vice President Francisco Santos Ambassador Carolina Barco MFA official Luis Araujo -------------- Winning the War Against FARC, Drugs -------------- ¶3. Vice President Santos expressed optimism about the fight against the approximately 15,000 remaining FARC members. The GOC has made life more difficult for the FARC as the Colombian military expands its presence and conducts more aggressive operations. The FARC has lost its ideological appeal and internal discipline as it has focused more on narcotrafficking. Ambassador Barco said public support for the FARC is at an all-time low (1%) because of its violence and use of land mines. Ten thousand FARC have deserted in the past four years, with 85 mid-level commanders deserting so far this year. The rate of desertions continues to increase as news spreads about the positive effects of desertion, such as education opportunities, financial assistance and family reunions. ¶4. Santos said the GOC's fight against drugs has never been more aggressive. Extradition, interdiction, and aerial spraying remain key to the program. Manual eradication would play an increasing role as a way to involve the population in eradication efforts. The Charge underscored U.S. support for eradication that took $400 million a year out of the hands of the FARC. Santos reaffirmed the GOC's commitment to promoting rural employment and alternative crops, especially since the coffee and cotton sectors have suffered from competition and a strong peso. Santos warned any cut in the military component of Plan Colombia would give the FARC more "breathing room" to expand its drug network. President Uribe's "wealth tax" of 1.8% during his first term and 3.5% during his second term has received public support because Colombians see the benefits of a more secure, safe country. -------------- FTA Debate Affects Geopolitics -------------- ¶5. Barco urged the USG to press Congress to consider the FTA in October, after Peru and before Panama. The GOC had already submitted the revised labor and environmental provisions to its Congress, and passage was expected by the end of September. It is also preparing a document outlining the GOC's efforts on labor violence and human rights, including commitments beyond 2007. Barco voiced frustration about the politicization of the FTA. ¶6. Santos asserted the FTA vote represented the most important U.S. congressional vote on Latin American policy in thirty years. He said U.S.-Colombian relations had strengthened in the past ten years. Colombia has been a good friend, resisting regional pressures and acting as a mediator between the United States and Latin America. Radicals in Colombia and the region would only increase their pressure if the United States does not pass the FTA. ¶7. The Charge agreed geopolitical factors are vital, but said the GOC also needed to show concrete progress in prosecuting human rights cases, especially in cases of violence against unionists. Representative Blunt underscored the importance of human rights and his support for continued economic and security cooperation. Santos and Barco thanked the Representative for his support. Nichols