US President Bush Authorizes Millions in Aid to Colombia

Before making a decision on Colombia's compliance with U.S. law, the Secretary of State must consult with human rights organizations. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the Washington Office on Latin America (WOLA) met with State Department officials on February 1, 2002 to present evidence that Colombia had not met any of the three conditions.1 Nevertheless, Secretary Colin Powell certified Colombia on May 1, thereby releasing 60 percent of the funds available.