Number: RL32021
Title: Andean Regional Initiative (ARI): FY2003 Supplemental and FY2004 Assistance for Columbia and Neighbors
Authors: K. Larry Storrs and Connie Veillette, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: In 2003, Congress is considering President Bushs requests for FY2003 supplemental and FY2004 funding for Colombia and six regional neighbors in a continuation of the Andean Regional Initiative that was launched in 2001. The region has been viewed as important primarily because it produces virtually all of the worlds cocaine and increasing amounts of heroin. Moreover, the stability of Colombia and the region is threatened by Colombias longstanding guerrilla insurgency and rightist paramilitary groups, which are both believed to be largely funded by taxes on illegal narcotics cultivation and trade.
Pages: 45
Date: Updated January 30, 2004