(26 Feb 1997) Spanish/Nat
Colombian President Ernesto Samper has accused the U-S of demonizing Colombian institutions.
The President's remarks were made at a ceremony to formalise a new law that increases penalties for drug trafficking.
It has been almost one year since the U-S 'decertified' Colombia for not co-operating fully in the global fight against drugs.
Colombia's President Ernesto Samper announced Tuesday that he had already signed into law a new package of bills mandating stiffer prison terms for convicted drug traffickers.
The bills, which provide for jail terms of up to 60 years for drug kingpins, were enacted on Friday, two days after their lightning, unanimous approval by Congress.
Samper says the law is yet another example of Colombia's fight against drugs.
With the annual U-S certification announcement expected later this week, President Samper again expressed his strong rejection of the U-S decertification last year - effectively branding Colombia as a drug-friendly nation.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
Let me take this opportunity to reiterate that certification is an unacceptable unilateral pressuring mechanism. The only thing it accomplishes is, as we can see, is the placing of two friendly countries in confrontation and not cooperation. It exacerbates nationalist sentiment, demoralises government officials, and satanises the institutions of a solid democracy like Colombia before the entire world.
SUPER CAPTION: Ernesto Samper, President of Colombia
There's growing anxiety in Colombia with the possibility of another decertification.
The move would mean the loss by Colombia of financial and military aid.
The U-S Ambassador to Colombia Miles Freshet attended Tuesday's ceremony to present the new law.
The Ambassador recognised Colombia's advances in its international commitments.
But despite progress, Freshet said much was left to be done - such as extradition of drugs traffickers.
He also explained the differences between Colombia and Mexico.
Many view the recent dismissal of Mexico's top anti-narcotics official as a setback and possible reason for U-S decertification.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
I am not competent enough to discuss the differences between Mexico and Colombia. I have visited Mexico numerous times, but I am the ambassador here. I would like for you to keep in mind that for us Mexico is an important neighbouring country, as is Canada. We are partners in the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). We have many ties with Mexico, for example, not only narcotrafficking but free trade, immigration, water - what do we do with water on the borders? We have 2,500 miles between the two countries. There are many problems. The economy of Mexico helps its neighbours. When its economy goes down, so does its neighbours. It's a much more intense relationship than with Colombia, simply because of geography.
SUPER CAPTION: Miles Freshet, U-S Ambassador to Colombia
Despite the new law the tensions between the U-S and Colombia over drugs clearly continues.
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