Number: RL32337
Title: Andean Counterdrug Initiative (ACI)and Related Funding Programs: FY2005 Assistance
Authors: Connie Veillette, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: In 2004, Congress considered a number of issues relating to the Andean Counterdrug Initiative, the U.S. assistance program to help Colombia address drug trafficking and economic development issues.  These issues included ongoing concerns with the effectiveness of the program, funding levels, human rights, and the role and number of U.S. military and contract personnel. The region has been viewed as important primarily because it produces virtually all of the world's cocaine and increasing amounts of high quality heroin. It is estimated that 90% of the cocaine coming to the United States originates in, or passes through, Colombia. Moreover, the stability of Colombia and the region is threatened by Colombia's longstanding guerrilla insurgency and rightist paramilitary groups, which are both believed to be largely funded by their participation in illegal narcotics production and trafficking. The Andean Counterdrug Initiative is the primary U.S. program that supports Plan Colombia, a six year plan developed by President Andres Pastrana (1998-2002) of Colombia, and continued by current President Alvaro Uribe. While ACI is the primary program, it is not the only one supporting counternarcotics and economic development in the Andean region. Countries in the region also receive Foreign Military Financing (FMF), International Military Education and Training (IMET), Development Assistance (DA), Child Survival and Health (CSH), and Economic Support Fund (ESF). The Department of Defense also supports drug interdiction operations from its own counternarcotics account.
Pages: 35
Date: May 10, 2005