For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
August 17, 2004
Statement by the Deputy Press Secretary
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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