WASHINGTON -- Secretary of State Colin Powell has concluded that Colombia has met congressional requirements for protection of human rights, thereby freeing $32.5 million in military aid funds, the State Department said Friday.
State Department deputy spokesman Adam Ereli said in a statement that Powell decided this week that the Colombian government and armed forces have met the criteria.
Powell has never found Colombia in violation of the rights requirements. Rights groups invariably have criticized Powell's findings, contending that he has overlooked serious abuses.
The rights evaluation takes into account, among other criteria, whether the Colombian armed forces are taking action against rights abusers within their ranks or have aided and abetted anti-communist paramilitary organizations.
http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-us-colombia,0,3631399.story?coll=sns-ap-nationworld-headlines
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