Bush Approves $65 Million to Help Colombia

President Bush today authorized a $65-million “emergency anti-drug package” consisting largely of helicopters and other transportation equipment to help Colombia fight its war against drug lords, spokesman Marlin Fitzwater announced today.

Violence by drug gangs “threatens the very fabric” of life in Colombia, Fitzwater said, justifying the immediate aid, which includes military supplies.

The assistance will be in addition to $2.5 million in security aid aimed at helping the Colombians protect their judges, who have been the principal target for assassination by the drug cartels, according to Administration sources.

Drawn From Special Fund

Fitzwater said the money will be drawn from a special fund available to the White House for emergency situations. About $75 million is set aside each year for such situations, about $10 million of which has been spent thus far this fiscal year, said another Administration official.

“The purpose is to get it there fast,” Fitzwater said.

Among the items being earmarked for the Colombian aid package are small arms, ammunition, spotter planes and communications equipment, he said.

Meanwhile, the State Department sent two Bell helicopters to the South American nation today to help police, spokesman Richard Boucher told reporters in Washington.

‘Intensive, Courageous Effort’

“This is an intensive and courageous effort on the part of the Colombians, and one in which we are happy to be supportive. We will be happy to stand with the Colombian government and people as they deal with this problem,” Boucher said.

“The thing they really need is transport equipment” to conduct raids and ferret out the producers of illicit drugs that are shipped to the United States illegally, said one source.