$1 BILLION PLANNED FOR AID TO COLOMBIA

President Clinton plans this week to announce more than $1 billion in
military and development assistance for Colombia, a package that includes
funds to fight the production and trafficking of illegal drugs, The
Washington Post reported.

The newspaper reported in its Saturday editions that the money, which will
also be used for programs to improve human-rights performance, will be
provided over the next two years.

The White House will request a supplemental appropriation for this fiscal
year to cover more than half of the money, while the rest of the funds will
be part of the 2001 budget, the Post said, quoting unidentified
administration officials.