However, no doubt under strong US pressure, he has recently waged a powerful and moderately successful crackdown on the Cali syndicate. The guerrilla movement, which is adversely affecting the economy, is still active. The main elements are the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces and the National Liberation Army. The latter were responsible for the murder of eight Venezuelan marines in 1995, causing tension between the two countries. President Samper has declared his intention of setting up a peace commission to open dialogue with the rebel factions, in the hope of ending decades of strife.
Mining is also of great importance and includes coal, gold and emeralds.
Colombia's oil wealth has been enhanced by recent discoveries. Such predictions, however, are speculative and may depend on nullifying the threat from guerrilla groups who have in the past sabotaged oil installations.