lucky wilbury
11-23-2004, 12:47 AM
http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/w-sa/2004/nov/22/112201565.html
Colombians Thankful for U.S. Aid
By KIM HOUSEGO
ASSOCIATED PRESS
CARTAGENA, Colombia (AP) -
There were protesters as President Bush landed Monday in this seaside city for a visit - but they were far outnumbered by Colombians thankful for the aid Washington has poured into their country to combat drug trafficking and guerrillas.
Unlike his weekend visit in Chile, Bush was not greeted by massive street protests during his four-hour stopover to visit President Alvaro Uribe, his firmest ally in South America.
When two dozen protesters appeared outside the thick walls surrounding the historic section of Cartagena, crowds of onlookers scornfully looked on. Seeing that few people were rushing to join them, the protesters drifted away before Bush's motorcade proceeded from the airport to the presidential guest house where he met with Uribe.
"I'm glad they left. They were giving the wrong image," said Catalina Oseja, 33, a housewife who was waiting to see Bush's motorcade drive by. Although there were no crowds lining the route, clumps of people did clap and wave as the vehicles swept past.
The Colombian onlookers said U.S. military assistance in the war on drugs is helping put their embattled nation back on its feet.
"Things have gotten better here since the Americans got involved - the economy is better and tourists are coming back," said Carlos Jose Agudelo, a banker, pointing to a group of Germans who stepped off a cruise ship.
In the last four years, the United States has pumped US$3.3 billion into Colombia - more than any other country outside the Middle East - mainly to train and equip government forces to combat narcotics trafficking and Marxist insurgents who feed off the drug trade.
The crackdown has pushed the rebels deeper into their jungle strongholds, cut crime rates in most major cities and given Colombians a renewed sense of hope after 40 years of civil war.
"I hope Bush gives us even more military aid today," Agudelo said. "It's the only way we can defeat the guerrillas, who are just a bunch of narco-traffickers."
He likely won't be disappointed.
At a joint press conference with Uribe later Monday, Bush said he would ask Congress to renew U.S. anti-drug support in Colombia, saying it was of vital interest to both countries.
Despite the support for Bush's policies toward Colombia, residents were pleased when he stepped back on Air Force One, fed up with the thousands of troops on the streets and the security checkpoints on many roads, bringing the city to a virtual standstill.
"It's good that President Bush came," said Mauricio Gonzalez, a taxi driver. "But I'm glad he didn't stay longer."
Colombians Thankful for U.S. Aid
By KIM HOUSEGO
ASSOCIATED PRESS
CARTAGENA, Colombia (AP) -
There were protesters as President Bush landed Monday in this seaside city for a visit - but they were far outnumbered by Colombians thankful for the aid Washington has poured into their country to combat drug trafficking and guerrillas.
Unlike his weekend visit in Chile, Bush was not greeted by massive street protests during his four-hour stopover to visit President Alvaro Uribe, his firmest ally in South America.
When two dozen protesters appeared outside the thick walls surrounding the historic section of Cartagena, crowds of onlookers scornfully looked on. Seeing that few people were rushing to join them, the protesters drifted away before Bush's motorcade proceeded from the airport to the presidential guest house where he met with Uribe.
"I'm glad they left. They were giving the wrong image," said Catalina Oseja, 33, a housewife who was waiting to see Bush's motorcade drive by. Although there were no crowds lining the route, clumps of people did clap and wave as the vehicles swept past.
The Colombian onlookers said U.S. military assistance in the war on drugs is helping put their embattled nation back on its feet.
"Things have gotten better here since the Americans got involved - the economy is better and tourists are coming back," said Carlos Jose Agudelo, a banker, pointing to a group of Germans who stepped off a cruise ship.
In the last four years, the United States has pumped US$3.3 billion into Colombia - more than any other country outside the Middle East - mainly to train and equip government forces to combat narcotics trafficking and Marxist insurgents who feed off the drug trade.
The crackdown has pushed the rebels deeper into their jungle strongholds, cut crime rates in most major cities and given Colombians a renewed sense of hope after 40 years of civil war.
"I hope Bush gives us even more military aid today," Agudelo said. "It's the only way we can defeat the guerrillas, who are just a bunch of narco-traffickers."
He likely won't be disappointed.
At a joint press conference with Uribe later Monday, Bush said he would ask Congress to renew U.S. anti-drug support in Colombia, saying it was of vital interest to both countries.
Despite the support for Bush's policies toward Colombia, residents were pleased when he stepped back on Air Force One, fed up with the thousands of troops on the streets and the security checkpoints on many roads, bringing the city to a virtual standstill.
"It's good that President Bush came," said Mauricio Gonzalez, a taxi driver. "But I'm glad he didn't stay longer."