COLUMBIA TO ASK U.S. TO LOWER ITS TRADE BARRIERS ASSOCIATED PRESS

WASHINGTON - While drug-fighting is still a priority, Colombia's
president comes to Washington next week eager to press for better
trade opportunities, too, his ambassador says.

With Colombia mired in a recession, President Andres Pastrana is
expected to ask President Bush and congressional leaders to lower
U.S. trade barriers for textile manufacturers and other exporters
from the Andean region.

"I think at this juncture this is definitely more important for
Colombia right now," Ambassador Luis Moreno said. "It would send a
message of hope."

Colombian officials have argued that lowering trade barriers would
create more jobs at home, offering an alternative to Colombians who
subsist on the lower rungs of the drug-trafficking industry.

A proposal to give Colombia trade benefits died in Congress last year
despite support from then-President Clinton and top congressional
leaders.

U.S. textile workers, concerned about losing jobs to low-cost South
American labor, would fight any new proposal.

Colombia is the third-largest recipient of U.S. military aid and last
year was the main beneficiary of a $1.3 billion anti-drug package.
Most of that money was for helicopters and other equipment to provide
security for drug eradication missions in areas held by leftist
guerrillas.

U.S. officials have said more money will be needed this year to
maintain military equipment, promote alternative crops and boost
social programs, as well as help neighboring countries so the drug
trade and civil war don't spill across borders.