POWELL'S COLOMBIA VISIT TO FOCUS ON PEACE AND ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS

BOGOTA -- Colin Powell, US secretary of state, is to visit Colombian
President Andres Pastrana next month as the Bush administration steps up its
scrutiny of Bogota's peace policies and anti-drug efforts.

Mr Powell's visit was confirmed as a high-ranking US delegation prepared to
fly to Bogota tomorrow at a time of renewed doubts over Mr Pastrana's peace
strategy.

The US is exasperated by fresh indications that the leftwing rebels of the
Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia are preparing for further war despite
Mr Pastrana's efforts to talk peace.

Three suspected Irish terrorists were arrested this month in Bogota for
allegedly teaching bomb-making techniques to the Farc within the
demilitarised zone where slow-moving peace talks are being held.

While refraining from outright criticism of Mr Pastrana, who left the zone
in Farc hands after withdrawing troops as a peace concession in 1998, US
officials have highlighted the way the insurgents are profiting from the
zone.

"Farc are misusing the demilitarised zone to abuse prisoners, hold kidnap
victims, engage in narcotics trafficking and, for example, reportedly
receive training from the Irish Republican Army," said Philip Reeker, US
State Department deputy spokesman, last week.

The demilitarisation of the zone is due to end in October unless Mr Pastrana
prolongs its mandate.

Not to do so would kill the peace talks with the Farc, which have advanced
at a snail's pace since 1999 and have not stopped an escalation of conflict.
No ceasefire has been agreed during the talks.

"It would be naive to imagine that the visit will not be governed by the
need to warn the Colombian government that its peace process is on the wrong
track," said an editorial yesterday in Bogota's El Espectador newspaper.

The US embassy in Washington has said the zone's future "is a sovereign
decision of the government of Colombia".

Colombia's military chiefs, bolstered by a string of successful operations
against the Farc, have also criticised the rebels' misuse of the zone.

However, supporters of a negotiated peace fear conflict will increase
further if talks are ended.

Marc Grossman, under-secretary of state for political affairs, is to head
the US delegation.

The Bush administration has asked Congress for Dollars 731m (Pounds 505m)
for anti-drug efforts next year in Colombia and neighbouring countries. For
regional reports, http://www.ft.com/usa , http://www.ft.com/americas