Brazilian Leader Committed to Helping Colombian Struggle Against Leftist Rebels

www.voanews.com VOA News 08 Mar 2003, 02:42 UTC

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva says his government is committed to helping Colombia in its struggle against drug traffickers and leftist rebels.

President da Silva made the remark Friday in Brasilia after meeting with his Colombian counterpart, Alvaro Uribe. President Uribe was quoted by the Associated Press as saying Brazil's help would be of vital importance in Colombia's efforts to achieve peace.

For nearly four decades, Colombia has been been torn by a civil war that pits leftist rebels, rightist paramilitaries and the government against each other. The conflict leaves thousands of Colombians dead each year.