History Of Colombia

One of the biggest challenges we face it is the nationalization of the program. Our ultimate goal is to help Colombia build the capacity necessary to face the narcoterrorist threat while reducing the burden on the U.S. taxpayer. Due to the courage and aggressive action of President Uribe and his government, we have seen an increase in the pace of operations that was not contemplated a few years ago. This increase in the pace of operations has produced very positive results, but has limited our ability to nationalize programs. The Government of Colombia shares in our goal of nationalization and has doubled its share of GDP devoted to security issues to 5 percent in the last four years. A good example of Colombia’s determination is the government’s plans to purchase eight Black Hawk helicopters using their own funds in the coming year. Many of our aviation programs are moving towards nationalization in terms of personnel, but the Government of Colombia still needs ... [Read More]

Colombia (02/05)

Colombia is the third-most populous country in Latin America, after Brazil and Mexico. Migration from rural to urban areas has been prevalent. The urban population increased from 57% of the total population in 1951 to approximately 74% by 1994 (when the last census was held). Thirty cities have a population of 100,000 or more. The nine eastern lowlands departments, constituting about 54% of Colombia's area, have less than 3% of the population and a density of less than one person per square kilometer (two persons per sq. mi.). Ethnic diversity in Colombia is a result of the intermingling of indigenous peoples, European immigrants, and Africans. Today, only about 1% of the people can be identified as fully indigenous on the basis of language and customs. ... [Read More]

Current Developments in Colombia in the Fight Against Drug Trafficking and Narcoterrorism

We are proud to be able to stand with President Uribe and the people of Colombia, who are now seeing the possibility -- for the first time I think in some decades -- that the whole country will be one again to the extension of institutions, the protection of rights, the bringing of institutions and the rule of law to the municipalities throughout the country, for the first time in the country's history and give the groundwork for peace, prosperity and the full use of the talents and resources of the country of Colombia, which are, of course, immense. ... [Read More]

Aid to Colombia: The European Role in the Fight Against Narcoterrorism

Our support to Plan Colombia, complemented by our regional efforts in the Andes, represents a significant investment by the American people and Congress to fight the flow of drugs responsible for ending thousands of lives each year in the United States, most of them young Americans. It is also a robust effort to fight powerful, often entrenched terrorists in this Hemisphere. Finally, it is a bold and uncompromising initiative to protect democratic rule in Colombia, and across the Andean region. The grand gamble of robust support by the U.S. Congress – now showing fruit in Colombia – would not have been possible without the extraordinary, courageous and determined leadership of President Uribe. Since taking office in August 2002, his administration has taken an aggressive stand against narcoterrorism. That stand has enabled the broad panoply of hard and soft Colombia programs to work. I would like to say for the record, here today, that I believe President Uribe qualifies as one of the ... [Read More]

U.S. Embassy Services in Colombia

Our web site offers Colombians basic information about the U.S., such as its agriculture, arts (including architecture, film, dance, theater), economy, geography, government, history, journalism, policies, as well as information about climate, telephone numbers, and mail. From each of our pages you will find links to hundreds of Internet resources in the U.S.  In addition, we offer U.S. citizens basic information about Colombia. ...

Welcome to our homepage, created to promote the best relations and communication between the United States of America and Colombia. Our embassy in Bogotá is the official mission of the U.S. government in Colombia. Its officers deal with a variety of topics which unite the two countries, among them political, economic, commercial, military and cultural themes. ... [Read More]

2004 Summary of Colombia Request to U.S. Under Article 9 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention

An historic lack of appreciation by the population of the value of archaeological heritage to the nation, and the lack of preparation of official bodies have allowed the loss and destruction of irreplaceable archaeological material. Similarly, losses through theft and illegal appropriation of furnishings and religious art from churches across the country - for lack of security, attention, or threats of consequences - have depleted the national legacy from the Colonial and subsequent periods. ... [Read More]

U.S. Policy and Colombia

We take environmental concerns very seriously and have sought to be very responsive to members of Congress and non-governmental organizations who have understandably expressed concern about the effects of aerial eradication on human health and the environment. As you all know, we provide environmental certifications to the Congress. To date, all toxicology tests show that the herbicide mixture used in spraying, in the manner it is being used, does not pose any unreasonable risks of adverse effects for humans or the environment. The accuracy with which the herbicide is applied makes negligible any damage to licit crops grown separately from narcotic crops. We have increased efforts to track reported health complaints and to investigate any possible connection between spraying of illicit crops and damages alleged in such occasional complaints. We have initiated what amounts to a farmer’s “hot line,” a channel for any complaints and way to ... [Read More]

History - Panama

The chancery on Balboa Avenue was constructed under the supervision of the Foreign Buildings Office of the Department of State in 1941. This site was originally purchased by the United States Government from the Government of Panama and later commuted to a lease for 999 years. The total cost of the land and construction was $366,719. The first diplomatic mission of the United States of America in the Republic of Panama was established in 1904, the year after Panama achieved independence from Colombia (November 3rd, 1903). The first American Minister was William L. Buchanan of Covington, Ohio. The American Legation was for many years located at the corner of Central Avenue and Fourth Street. It was raised to the status of Embassy in 1939 and moved to its current location on April 2, 1942. ... [Read More]

Castro, Colombia and Venezuela (Taken Question)
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Democracy, Security, and Human Rights: Colombia's Challenge

I am greatly appreciative to be with you here today in Cartagena, a city whose rich history and landmarks stand as embodiment of the resilience and vision of the people of Colombia. Indeed, the fortifications that mark the coastline of this historic city are a vivid reminder not only of its past--when foreign hostilities and incursions aimed to stifle its progress--but also of the tenacity and courage of the people of Colombia who today, in another age, now confront hostilities from within its own territory, from forces no less foreign in the context of today's world. ... [Read More]