DEATH IN COLOMBIA: WHAT WILL US DO?

"Colombians Tell of Massacre, as Army Stood By" (front page, July 14)
was a chilling description of a daily reality for Colombians --
massacres carried out by paramilitaries operating with the tolerance
or open support of soldiers. Colombia's military continues not only to
shield the senior officers involved but also to reward them with promotions.

The $1.3 billion aid package for Colombia signed by President Clinton
includes conditions requiring respect for human rights.

But if Mr. Clinton invokes the "national security" waiver in the
military part of the package, it would gut any commitment to human
rights.

Tragically, we would see more massacres like El Salado. In the future,
however, the United States risks being complicit.

MIGUEL VIVANCO
Exec. Dir., Americas Division, Human Rights Watch
Washington, July 17, 2000