Colombia’s Defense Minister, Pedro Sanchez, cautions that U.S. blacklisting may increase cocaine flow into the U.S. He stresses the importance of cooperation in combating drug trafficking, warning that aid suspension could undermine Colombian efforts. The administration aims to reclaim control over coca-producing regions and confront guerrilla groups linked to drug trade.

Colombia’s newly appointed Defense Minister has issued a cautionary statement to the Trump administration regarding the potential inclusion of Colombia on a blacklist for its drug export concerns. Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasized that such action could exacerbate the flow of cocaine into the United States. He warned that a breakdown in relations and cooperation between the two countries would create more opportunities for drug trafficking.

Currently, Washington is deliberating the removal of Colombia from the list of partners in the war on drugs. This decision could result in the suspension of significant U.S. aid, potentially amounting to several hundred million dollars, thus undermining Colombia’s capacity to combat drug trafficking effectively.

Minister Sanchez highlighted that Colombia’s incapacity to manage drug exports would be detrimental to U.S. interests. He articulated that this could lead to an even higher influx of cocaine into the United States, undermining its security and prosperity. “The inability to control it would be contrary to U.S. interests,” Sanchez noted during an interview.

Since taking office in early March, Sanchez has pledged that the Colombian government will employ all available state resources against the National Liberation Army (ELN), a guerrilla group allegedly allied with the Mexican Sinaloa cartel. Furthermore, he promised to re-establish authority in southern regions notorious for coca cultivation, currently dominated by the Estado Mayor Central faction, a splinter group from FARC.

Sanchez remarked that the fight against drugs will demand significant sacrifices, stating, “There will be tears, but in the end, we will succeed.” Meanwhile, President Trump has maintained a stringent approach toward drug trafficking from Mexico and Canada, imposing tariffs on both nations as a retaliatory measure. The prospective blacklisting of Colombia puts at risk nearly half a billion dollars in annual U.S. assistance.

Historically, Colombia was previously removed from the U.S. partnership list in the 1990s under President Ernesto Samper, who faced allegations of receiving cartel funding for his electoral campaign. This historical context serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding U.S.-Colombian relations in combating drug trafficking.

In conclusion, Colombia’s Defense Minister has warned that potential blacklisting by the United States could lead to an increased flow of cocaine into the U.S. and jeopardize vital aid. He emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation to combat drug trafficking effectively. The Colombian government remains committed to tackling drug-related challenges and restoring authority over coca-growing regions, despite the sacrifices that may be required. This situation highlights the significance of U.S.-Colombia relations in drug enforcement efforts.

Original Source: fakti.bg

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