OFFICIAL SAYS DELAYS IN AID TO COLOMBIA CARRY COSTS

WASHINGTON (AP) -- A top State Department official said Wednesday that
delays by Congress in approving aid money for Colombia have forced the
United States to curtail helicopter training of Colombian pilots and
spraying operations against illicit narcotics plants.

``There appear to be some members who lack understanding of the
urgency of the situation and the costs of this delay,'' Under
Secretary of State Thomas Pickering said.

Pickering spoke with reporters as he prepared to leave for Colombia on
Thursday for talks with President Andres Pastrana and other officials
about the joint efforts of the two countries to curb narcotics
trafficking.

The Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday cut the
administration's new money request for Colombia from $1.3 billion to
$1.1 billion. In addition, Senate rules will require the approval of
60 votes for the package to be approved.

Pickering said adoption of the rule ``a very serious mistake. Our hope
is that it will not influence the outcome of this very important
legislation.''

``Each day and week of delay spells higher costs at the end of the
day, costs in human terms in our own country; costs in human terms in
Colombia; additional costs for getting the process reversed,''
Pickering said.

The Appropriations Committee deleted the administration's request for
33 Blackhawk helicopters for the counterdrug fight. Pickering noted
that the House version fully funds the Blackhawks, and he expressed
hope that the differences can be worked out to the administration's
satisfaction by House-Senate conferees.

He said the Blackhawks are needed in Colombia because they provide
better armor, fly faster and have greater range than Huey helicopters,
which also are part of the administration's request.

The reluctance of the committee to embrace the full administration
request reflects the concern of some lawmakers that the United States
might become involved in Colombia's civil war. Others believe that
attempts at stopping narcotics flows are doomed to fail that and U.S.
resources should be earmarked for treatment programs for people
suffering from drug addiction.