The U.S. plans to provide Colombia with $1 billion in security assistance
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump plans to provide Colombia with $1 billion in security assistance. The U.S. State Department announced this following the inauguration of the country’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriely, according to The Guardian.
In a statement, the State Department noted that the U.S., in cooperation with Congress, intends to announce a $1 billion aid package. According to the department, these funds are intended to support the de la Esprielia administration in achieving shared goals within the framework of the renewed partnership between the two countries.
De la Esprielia, 48, was sworn in at the “Pichincha” battalion base in Cali. During his 75-minute speech, he declared his intention to intensify the fight against drug trafficking and armed groups, as well as to implement austerity measures to restore confidence in the economy. The new president said that the time has come to “restore order, authority, and freedom.”
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According to him, members of criminal organizations and “narcoterrorist” groups must either submit to the rule of law or face a decisive response from the state and security forces. De la Esprieya also stated that opportunities for peace talks with armed groups have been “completely exhausted.”
De la Esprieylla won the second round of the presidential election in June, promising to combat armed groups, reduce the public sector by up to 40%, and revive the oil and gas industry. He also announced his intention to eradicate illegal coca crops using aerial herbicides, which, he said, would not harm human health or the environment.
Former President Gustavo Petro has not recognized de la Espriel’s victory. His ally, left-wing Senator Iván Cepeda—whom the new president defeated by a narrow margin in the second round—led a march in Barranquilla and called on the opposition to defend democracy and resort to peaceful civil disobedience.
