US embassy cable - 05BOGOTA6089

UNCLAS BOGOTA 006089 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KMDR, KPAO, OPRC, PREL, SNAR, PGOV, CO 
SUBJECT: "COLOMBIA IS ON THE RIGHT PATH," FORMER PRESIDENT 
CLINTON 
 
 
1. (U) During a half-day visit to Colombia June 22, 
President Clinton expressed unequivocal support for 
President Uribe and his policies, as well as for the 
Colombian people.  Speaking to a business and leadership 
forum (Expogestion) with an audience of over 2,000 people - 
including President Uribe, former President Gaviria, and 
leading political figures and business executives - Clinton 
said he often points to Colombia as a country trying to 
improve itself through "perseverance, hard-work, and 
determination." He indicated great satisfaction with 
President Uribe's handling of Plan Colombia, which he had 
helped to start with former President Andres Patrana. Uribe 
asked Clinton to intercede on behalf of Colombia to continue 
with a second phase of the Plan. 
 
2. (U) Following the thunderous applause for President 
Uribe, Clinton remarked to the crowd that it was not often 
that he received less applause than a sitting president, and 
that this was a testament to Uribe's leadership and the 
direction he had taken the country. He said he hoped Uribe, 
pending the Constitutional Court's decision, would serve for 
four more years. 
 
3. (U) All major newspapers gave the visit front-page 
coverage on June 23.  Leading daily El Tiempo showed Clinton 
walking in the streets side-by-side with President Uribe, 
under the headline "Clinton and Uribe on foot in Bogota." 
Presidential chief of staff Juan Lozano told the Ambassador 
the following day that such a walk would have been 
impossible five years ago given the security situation.  A 
follow-up article on June 24 focused on Clinton's informal 
agenda, including his greeting people on the street and 
shopping for gifts. The same day, an op-ed section cartoon 
showed Clinton in a car with a sign "strong backing," and 
President Uribe on the street thanking him for his visit and 
support.  The major television newscasts also gave ample 
coverage, focusing on Clinton's remarks as well as the walk 
with Uribe. Overall press treatment characterized the visit 
as a sign of strong support for President Uribe's democratic 
security policies, and recognition of Colombia's commitment 
to fight narco-trafficking and terrorism. 
 
WOOD