Diplomatic relations between Bogota and Quito remain distant despite efforts from the international community to mend them. Moreover, criminal and terrorist groups may take advantage of the situation along the border.
As violence related to organized crime takes its toll in Mexico, the debate deepens over hemispheric drug policy. Proposals on the table range from stepped-up security cooperation to drug decriminalization. Meanwhile, Washington announced widespread arrests of suspects linked to Mexican cartels.
In the last week, six Colombian hostages regained their freedom in what many say is a calculated political move by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. But recent bombings in Bogota and Cali could muddy the path forward.
President Hugo Chávez and his Colombian counterpart Álvaro Uribe may each seek reelection. Both command high approval ratings but face possible political and economic challenges in the coming year.
With a political transition in progress, the Bush administration continues to urge passage of the U.S.-Colombia trade pact. But whether the deal will gain congressional approval during a lame-duck session remains in doubt.
On balance, both NAFTA and the pending FTA with Colombia promote job growth in the United States, says former COA President Ambassador Everett Ellis Briggs.
At an AS/COA luncheon, President Álvaro Uribe highlighted the important achievements in security and the economy under his administration.
