ANDEAN COUNTRIES SEEK PACTS AT SUMMIT

CARACAS -- Andean nations are seeking a common approach to free trade
and illegal drugs -- issues some leaders in the turbulent region
complain are too often dominated by U.S. policy.

The presidents of Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela will
meet this weekend to discuss ways to combat narcotics trafficking in
the world's largest cocaine-producing region.

One goal is to prevent eradication of drug crops in one country from
driving growers into neighboring states, said Victor Rico, who heads
the Community of Andean Nations, a subregional organization.

Some Andean leaders say successful coca eradication efforts in
Bolivia and Peru have increased production in Colombia.

Andean unity remains an elusive goal amid economic turmoil in Bolivia
and Ecuador, guerrilla warfare in Colombia and political upheaval in
Peru and Venezuela.