Miss Colombia 2005
South America
The USG supports DIRAN’s aviation unit (ARAVI), comprised of 20 fixed-wing and 62 rotary-wing aircraft. In addition to counternarcotics missions, ARAVI has, with Embassy approval, used USG-supported assets for humanitarian missions, targeted intelligence gathering, antiterrorism, antikidnapping, and public order missions. The USG also helped ARAVI reach an agreement with the Colombian Air Force (COLAF) to train ARAVI pilots at the Bogotá-based COLAF simulator, thereby eliminating the need to send ARAVI pilots to the United States for instrument training. The USG has initiated in-country high-altitude training for ARAVI and has worked with ARAVI to explore possibly reintroducing the use of night vision goggles in 2005. ... [Read More]
The President’s FY 2006 International Affairs Budget
We are encouraged by the African Union’s leadership in addressing conflicts across the continent, specifically its mission in Darfur. The African Union military commanders in Darfur are doing vital work in providing security for millions of displaced people. We welcome the AU’s decision to double the size of its Darfur mission to enhance its ability to protect civilians, and we appreciate your help through the Supplemental to support this expanded mission. We fully appreciate the urgency of the situation and we encourage the AU’s consultations with NATO on potential logistical assistance that would enable the AU forces to expand quickly and sustain their operations. ... [Read More]
Chapter 5B -- Country Reports
Libya remains designated as a state sponsor of terrorism and is still subject to the related sanctions. In 2004, Libya held to its practice in recent years of curtailing support for international terrorism, although there are outstanding questions over its residual contacts with some past terrorist clients. Libya has provided cooperation in the global war on terrorism, and Libyan leader Muammar Qadhafi continued his efforts to identify Libya with the international community in the war on terrorism. Prior to the January 30, 2005, elections in Iraq, senior Libyan officials made statements that defended insurgent attacks on US and Coalition forces; following strong US protests, Libya encouraged Iraqi participation in the elections, indicating its intent to recognize the upcoming Transitional Iraqi Government, and support reciprocal diplomatic missions with Iraq. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Text: U.S. Trade Representative Addresses Council of the Americas
In years past, a select company of far-sighted leaders have recognized the causes and common interests that should unite the Americas. But time and again, the vision faded, interests diverged, or the obstacles seemed too high. One hundred and seventy five years ago, Simon Bolivar convened a Congress in Panama of the new American republics. But the experience of the U.S. mission to that Congress offered a prophetic warning about the U.S. capability to miss the moment with Latin America. The two delegates from Washington never arrived: One died enroute and the other only reached Mexico City by the time the Panamanian Congress had adjourned. Too little, too late. ... [Read More]
US Department Of State Post Report
Although more developed than many of its neighboring islands, Barbados remains a developing, third world country. The U.S. Mission here has approximately 160 employees and a strong regional focus. The Chief of Mission is also accredited to the less developed countries of St. Lucia, Dominica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and Barbuda, Grenada, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The consular district covers dependent territories as far north as the British Virgin Islands. Many Mission employees have regional responsibilities in as many as 11 countries and travel frequently. This may require adjustments for both employees and families. ... [Read More]
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