Congressman Mike Conaway (R-TX) spent the last part of the Memorial Day recess on a Congressional Delegation trip to Panama and Colombia, along with House Armed Services Committee chairman Ike Skelton (D-MO) and Congressman Phil Gingrey (R-GA). The purpose of the trip was to discuss trade opportunities and to visit International narcotics and law enforcement programs.
The delegation spent the first part of the trip in Bogota, Colombia before heading to Panama. While in Bogota, they met with Colombian President, Alviro Uribe, along with the Colombian Secretary of Defense and the Ambassador of Colombia to the United States. In Panama, they were able to meet with President Martín Torrijos.
“The efforts being made by the Colombian and Panamanian governments to combat narcoterrorism is extraordinary,” said Conaway. “I am particularly impressed with President Uribe with what appears to be a 180 degree turnaround in dealing with this issue in Columbia. The bilateral free trade agreements with Colombia and Panama, which are expected to be voted on later this year, will have a positive impact on the U.S. trade surplus with both countries. Not only will the agreement strengthen relations, but the financial benefits will be significant, as it will allow U.S. producers to sell products duty free.”
While in Colombia, Conaway also discussed the hostage situation of the American civilians being held by FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) in the Colombian jungle. Thomas Howes, Marc Gonsalves and Keith Stansell were captured by the guerrilla's in 2003 after their plane crashed in FARC territory. FARC, which was originally financed by ransoms from extortion and kidnapping, is now mainly financed with money from narcotics.
Conaway went on to say, “The U.S. has dedicated resources and personnel whose primary focus is rescuing the hostages. The Colombian government is assisting the search efforts at every level. Both governments are maintaining a constant vigil to bring these Americans home safely. We need to continue improving U.S. relations with both of these important nations. Having them as a partner in the Global War on Terror and the War on Drugs is vital to the security of the U.S.”
