A group of 34 members of the US Congress sent a letter to the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in which they ask support the new proposals of the government of President Gustavo Petro. In particular its agenda on climate change, the fight against corruption, racial and social inclusion and human rights.
(See: US GDP grew 3.2% in the third quarter).
Likewise, the legislators offered their support for the Total Peace strategy proposed by the government, as well as a more holistic andn the fight against drug trafficking that takes growers into account and do not focus on the number of hectares eradicated when evaluating successes and failures.
The letter, headed by representatives James McGovern and Mark Pocan, also bears the signature of other members of the most progressive wing of this party, such as Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.
In the letter, the congressmen ask Blinken to be flexible on extradition matters to favor peace negotiations and to consider the participation of the United States in the talks with the ELN, even with the appointment of a Special Envoy to accompany them. .
The legislators, in turn, ask Blinken to maintain his support for the implementation of the 2016 peace accords and increase the aid provided for the country in the budget for the year 2024 that will begin to be discussed at the beginning of next year.
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On the immigration issue, the congressmen request an increase in aid so that the country can continue to serve Venezuelan migrants. And they ask Petro, on the other hand, to honor his commitment not to extradite to Venezuela members of the opposition who are living in Colombia.
at the time, The United States Congress approved this Friday afternoon an item of 487.3 million dollars in aid for Colombia as part of its spending budget for fiscal year 2023.
Dollars.
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The amount approved for Colombia is the highest amount authorized by the US for the country in the last 11 years.
“The budget approved for Colombia, included in the Appropriations Law of the Department of State and Foreign Operations, is a sign of support for the country, the government and policies of President Petro; in addition to the ratification of the moment of the bilateral relationship”, said the Colombian ambassador to the United States, Luis Gilberto Murillo.
(See: The US responds to Petro on gradual coca cultivation).
Likewise, this week the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for fiscal year 2023, which empowers the United States Department of Defense to execute the budget and ratifies the Colombia-United States cooperation on defense issues.
The Law renews the authorization of the Department of Defense, through the Southern Command, to continue improving national capabilities, including those of interdiction and intelligence, necessary for the effectiveness of the agreed holistic strategy against drug trafficking.
According to a statement from the US embassy in Washington, This is something that is in line with the new focus of the Colombian government’s drug policy.
(See: The US will start rebuilding its strategic oil reserves).
SERGIO GOMEZ MASERI
EL TIEMPO correspondent
Washington
On Twitter @sergom68
