FUNDS ONLY FAN FLAMES OF COLOMBIAN CONFLICT

The news of the crisis and near breakdown of peace negotiations in Colombia
is alarming. As a U.S. citizen, I am concerned that the U.S. government's
funding of Plan Colombia to the tune of $1.3 billion in aid to a repressive
Colombian military only escalates the conflict. Then, just as peace
negotiations were deteriorating, the U.S. delivered an additional 14 Black
Hawk helicopters to the Colombian military. This powerful weapon was
delivered to the military that has the worst human rights record in the
hemisphere.

The international community, including the United States, must step forward
to push for and support peace negotiations and offer greater international
participation and support in future talks.

The conflict in Colombia will not be solved through military means. It will
only be solved through negotiations. I urge the U.S. government to support
the peace process and end military assistance. Our actions are like
throwing gasoline on a fire.

Noreen Ordronneau

Carrboro