COLOMBIA'S DRUG WAR

To the Editor:

"Colombia's Spectrum of Sorrows" (editorial, Jan. 3) is correct in calling
attention to the severity and complexity of the problems currently facing
my country. Colombia is combating the combined evils of drug cartels,
guerrillas and paramilitaries that menace our democracy. As you rightly put
it, only we Colombians can solve these problems, but we certainly can use
the help of our friends, especially in supporting our efforts to carry out
these difficult tasks with respect for human rights and the law.

But your editorial is incorrect when it alleges that our military forces
are supportive of paramilitary activities. There is no such policy.
Colombian authorities are firmly committed to confronting the
paramilitaries with the same resolution as other enemies of our people. The
cases of violations of human rights, which at times have involved members
of our security forces -- but not the institutions themselves -- have been
and will continue to be thoroughly investigated, judged and punished by the
proper officials.

JUAN CARLOS ESGUERRA
Ambassador of Colombia
Washington, Jan. 5, 1998