As you all know, Secretary Albright is here following the announcement by President Clinton that his administration has recommended increased U.S. assistance to Colombia in support of Plan Colombia. As a nation we are indeed heartened by this news. The single greatest threat Colombia faces, and has faced bravely and at a great sacrifice for a generation now, is fueled by illegal drugs. More than anything else, it fuels the insurgency, feeds violence and delinquency, breeds insecurity and fear and threatens our democratic institutions. Yet, we can and will do more as a consumer and producer nation with respect to supply, demand and interdiction at all levels, from destroying laboratories, shooting down money laundering and contraband schemes and treating problems of addiction.
Future generations deserve nothing less.
At the same time, I am equally pleased that the United States assistance package also supports the Colombian peace process, the economic development, the defense of human rights and the need for alternative development. And finally, we also welcome the recognition that it is much more than a regional or bilateral issue and that the nations of Europe, Asia and Africa must work with us more closely. To truly succeed, we need the active participation of the entire global community. And the fact that the United States agrees with us here bodes well for the prospect to further internationalize our common case. Madame Secretary, we are grateful for your pledged support and the support of the United States government and we remain sincerely hopeful that together we will be able to make an enduring, positive difference in the world.