Clinton Administration Lifts Colombia Sanctions

Officials offer encouraging word for Iran, too

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, Feb. 26) -- The Clinton Administration announced Thursday it is lifting two-year-old sanctions against Colombia because of the South American nation's progress in combatting illegal drugs.

"Clearly, progress there is essential to turn the tide in the drug war," Secretary of State Madeleine Albright told reporters. "The Colombian National Police and counternarcotics forces have conducted an effective eradication and interdiction effort."

Albright said the Colombian government has not demonstrated full political support for counternarcotics efforts, but the U.S. wants to boost cooperation.

"Coming on the eve of that country's congressional and presidential elections, the waiver decision is intended to lay the groundwork for increased future cooperation and to support those in Colombia who are striving to strengthen the rule of law and buttress their embattled democracy," Albright said.

Lifting the sanctions means fewer obstacles to U.S. assistance to Colombia's anti-drug efforts. Colombia also will be spared economic penalties for the coming year.

At a news conference, U.S. officials released the administration's evaluations of the anti-drug efforts of 30 overseas countries.

The administration did not certify Colombia as fully cooperating because officials believe the nation's anti-narcotics effort faces serious shortcomings. Colombia remains the world's leading producer and distributor of cocaine and a major supplier of heroin and marijuana.

Administration officials also had an encouraging word for Iranian efforts to combat illegal drugs. Albright said Iran is "showing vigor" in counternarcotics efforts and "the threat posed by the trans-shipment of drugs is being taken more seriously."

At the same time, Albright said the United States could not certify Iran at this time because "we lack hard data to verify the extent of reported progress." Albright and other officials said the United States will seek more information from Iran so that it could better evaluate the progress.

Thursday Feb. 26, 1998

• Resolution Urges Clinton To Consult Congress On Iraq
• Clinton Supports Moratorium On Internet Sales Taxes
• Barbour May Face Indictment
• House GOP Releases Documents On Trie
• Clinton Aide Appears Before Grand Jury
• Clinton Administration Lifts Colombia Drug Sanctions
• Campaign Finance Bill Likely Dead For The Year
• White House Scandal At A Glance