News from the Washington file: U.S. Congratulates Colombia and its Neighbors on Security Summit
usinfo.state.gov 8 March 2003
(U.S. pleased with participants' commitment to fight terrorism, drugs) (270)
At a March 12 regional security ministerial in Bogotá, the United States congratulated Colombia and its neighbors Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela and Panama for their progress in strengthening the coordination of regional efforts against terrorism and narcotics trafficking, according to a statement issued March 18 by State Department spokesman Richard Boucher.
Boucher said that the United States is pleased that ministerial participants reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.
Following is the text of Boucher's statement:
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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE Office of the Spokesman March 18, 2003
STATEMENT BY RICHARD BOUCHER, SPOKESMAN
Regional Security Ministerial Held In Bogota, Colombia
The United States congratulates Colombia and its neighbors -- Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, and Panama -- for the progress made during the Regional Security Ministerial held in Bogota, Colombia, on March 12, 2003. We are pleased that the states that participated in this Ministerial have reaffirmed their commitment to the fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.
The document signed by the participants reiterates their support for United Nations Security Council Resolution 1373 and 1464, as well as Organization of American States Resolution 837, which calls on states to implement enhanced law enforcement measures and to promote a more law-abiding environment.
The document also calls on the participating states to meet periodically to discuss coordination and the implementation of the document. The cooperation agreed upon by the participating states will improve the security and quality of life of the people of Colombia, and of its neighbors.
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