BOGOTA : Hopeful Inauguration

The one-time campaign manager for a Colombian presidential candidate killed by drug traffickers takes over the office himself today, hoping to enlist more foreign aid in the continuing war against drugs.

Cesar Gaviria of the Liberal Party assumes the presidency at a time when drug lords have declared a cease-fire, several leftist guerrilla groups are talking peace, and there is an agreement to reform Colombia’s 104-year-old constitution.

Nevertheless, violence continues. Last week police said they found three Uzi submachine guns that were part of a terrorist plan to disrupt the inauguration. Gaviria was campaign manager for Sen. Luis Carlos Galan, an anti-drug crusader assassinated last year.