(17 Aug 1995) Spanish/Nat
Pressure is growing for Colombia's President Ernesto Samper to resign over allegations that he was elected with financial help from drug barons.
Samper's campaign director has been arrested and the Congress has begun an official investigation into Samper's knowledge of whether millions of dollars were channelled into campaign funds.
A state of emergency has been declared, officially to deal with paramilitary violence.
But opposition groups say the move is aimed at diverting attention from the country's worst ever political scandal.
The President broadcast to the nation to explain his reasons for imposing the 90 day state of emergency.
He said the measures were necessary to fight the wave of violence that was sweeping the country.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"What Colombia needs today is a good dose of calm and strength so that programs like the one I am announcing today can be implemented. There is not, there is not a more important problem in our country than the problem of violence."
SUPER CAPTION: Ernesto Samper, President of Colombia
A guerilla offensive was launched a fortnight ago after rebel forces rejected Samper's proposals for peace talks.
Dozens of people have died in clashes between the Revolutionary Forces of Colombia- FARC and the army.
The worst fighting was in the town of Miraflores, 265 miles southeast of Bogota.
More than 300 hundred rebels attacked the town and a nearby anti-narcotics army base .
12 policemen and 23 rebels died as well as at least 20 civilians.
But President Samper's decree comes amid a deepening scandal over the alleged use of drug money to finance his 1994 election campaign.
However, he insists he has nothing to hide.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"My government has supported and will continue supporting the Attorney General's efforts until the truth comes forward and justice be served because my government has more at stake than anyone else."
SUPER CAPTION:Ernesto Samper, President of Colombia
On Tuesday (August 15) Samper's former Defence minister and campaign director, Fernando Botero was arrested.
He was taken in for questioning over his alleged role in seeking (m) millions of dollars from the Cali drug cartel for the 1994 campaign.
Opposition leaders claim the emergency decree, which allows Samper to pass laws without Congress's approval, was introduced to silence the media and outspoken members of his Congress.
The President in return accuses the press of acting irresponsibly.
SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
As the constitution demands, I have requested that all these investigations be completed in accordance with due process and protected from irresponsible press reports, which pretend to pass judgement on people whether they are guilty or not."
SUPER CAPTION: Ernesto Samper, President of Colombia
Some opposition leaders have called for Samper's resignation.
But for at least the next 90 days, he'll have more power than ever.
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