CLINTON FREES $1.3 BILLION FOR ANTI-DRUG AID PACKAGE

WASHINGTON, COLOMBIA President Clinton on Wednesday defended his decision
to sign a waiver freeing up $1.3 billion in anti-drug assistance for
Colombia, saying it is improving on human rights even though the government
of Andres Pastrana has yet to meet all the conditions imposed by Congress.

"I believe President Pastrana is committed to dealing with the human-rights
issues," said Clinton, who signed the national security waiver a week
before he flies to Colombia for a brief trip.

Congress voted in July to support a White House request for economic and
military aid to Colombia, a package designed to interrupt the flow of
cocaine and heroin to the U.S. The package, called Plan Colombia, includes
$1 billion to train and equip the army and police in Colombia, as well as
additional funds to promote economic development, judicial reform and human
rights.