PUBLIC MUST BE TOLD OF ABUSES IN COLOMBIA

I am concerned with the scant coverage in the Times Union of what is
happening to the people of Colombia, especially in view of the large amount
of foreign aid the country receives from the United States. Prior to the
recent passage of the supplemental assistance bill by both the Senate and
the House of Representatives, Colombia was already the third largest
recipient of foreign aid. This aid is almost exclusively military aid.

It is important that citizens are aware of how their tax dollars are spent
and why. They have the right to know that funds are sent in their name to
support a military that is notorious for its record of human rights abuses.

On July 8, six members of the Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado were
massacred by 20 hooded men while members of the 17th Army Brigade of the
Colombian army were in the area and while a helicopter of this same brigade
hovered overhead. Two days prior to this event, members of the Peace
Community saw two soldiers of this same brigade plant two fragmentation
grenades nearby and were told of the army's intent to enter the community
with the paramilitaries and kill its residents.

The Peace Community of San Jose de Apartado has been in existence for 40
months. Its residents insist upon their neutrality, refusing to be drawn
into taking sides in this battle involving the military, the paramilitary
and the guerrillas.

The House of Representatives and the Senate both recently passed bills
approving allocations of over a billion dollars to support this military,
which routinely collaborates with paramilitary forces in the massacre and
displacement of the people of Colombia.

I think the Times Union has the responsibility to inform its readers of
what is happening in Colombia.

Tomassina N. Panepinto, Altamont