Obama has offered to help Colombia in the amount of $ 450 million – Onet.pl

 
  Photo: AFP
 
 
  Juan Manuel Santos and Barack Obama
 
 
 

– After a half a century of devastating conflict the time has come for peace – Obama said after meeting at the White House with the President of Colombia Juan Manuel Santos. – I told President Santos that the United States was a partner of Colombia in the war and it will be in times of peace – he said.

US President pointed out that the American aid is to be allocated to combat terrorism and drug trafficking as well as education and training programs for former rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a leftist group that was fighting with the government.

in addition, the US government will spend $ 33 million to assist in the removal of landmines in Colombia.

Santos said that American aid will be “crucial” for the chances of a lasting peace in his country.

the civil war between the FARC rebels and government troops lasted from 1964. it is estimated that killed her more than 220 thousand. and millions of people had to leave their homes. Attempts repeatedly attempts to reach a peace agreement so far been unsuccessful, but now the government and the rebels are close to ultimate success.

in the years 2000 – 2015 the United States granted aid amounting to Colombia estimated at approx. 10 billion dollars.

(dp)