Rebels warn that U.S.-backed drug war will cause further civil war

CNN
September 10, 2000

Rebels warn that U.S.-backed drug war will cause further civil war

                  CARACAS,Venezuela (AP) -- Colombian guerrillas warned on Sunday that a
                  U.S.-backed drug war will lead to the escalation of the civil war in Colombia,
                  leave thousands of victims, and spur massive migrations to neighboring
                  countries.

                  The multifaceted "Plan Colombia" is aimed at eradicating illegal drug crops and
                  replacing them with alternate crops, mending the nation's torn social fabric and
                  building infrastructure in rural areas. Toward that goal, President Andres
                  Pastrana plans to spend $7.5 billion, including a $1.3 billion aid package from the
                  United States.

                  "If we do not stop Plan Colombia there will be a massive displacement (of
                  Colombians) towards neighboring countries," said Ruben Zamora, a leader of the
                  Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, Colombia's largest and
                  most powerful leftist rebel group.

His statements appeared in the local El Universal newspaper.

                  "We are warning the international community that it should not take a risk on a
                  venture which will leave thousands of victims," said Zamora, adding that the
                  FARC "is prepared to confront United States (military) intervention."

                  But Marxist guerrillas who protect illegal drug crops and help distribute cocaine
                  headed to the United States and Europe, believe the plan's real aim is stamping
                  out "political and social opposition groups" like themselves, he said.

                  "All of Plan Colombia's resources are destined for the state's forces of
                  repression," Zamora said. "The plan has been disguised to fool the international
                  community."

                  Colombia's civil war, which has pitted Marxist guerrillas against the Colombian
                  army and right-wing paramilitary groups, has continued for four decades and left
                  over 35,000 dead.

                  U.S. military aid and training for Colombian troops is going to make the conflict
                  bloodier than ever, warned Zamora, who has spent 14 of his 38 years in the
                  FARC.

"We are seeing the 'vietnamization' (of the war) ... What is coming is going to be
much more raw and cruel," Zamora said.

                  More intense fighting, added the rebel leader, will inevitably produce migrations
                  of displaced Colombians seeking refuge from the violence in neighboring South
                  American countries.

Venezuela, Brazil, Ecuador, Panama, and Peru all share borders with Colombia.