For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 17, 2005
Statement on Presidential Determination Regarding U.S. Assistance to the Government of Colombia Airbridge Denial Program
Presidential Determination Regarding U.S. Assistance to the
Government of Colombia Airbridge Denial Program
The President has authorized the Department of State to continue assistance
to Colombia in carrying out an "Airbridge Denial Program" against civil
aircraft reasonably suspected of trafficking in illicit drugs. In granting
this authorization, the President has determined that Colombia has put in
place appropriate procedures to protect against loss of innocent life in
connection with interdiction operations. The United States Department of
State, with the support of other U.S. agencies, has the ability to continue
to work with the Government of Colombia to ensure effective
counternarcotics operations while observing strict adherence to agreed-upon
and well-established safety procedures.
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