Colombia to probe paramilitary political influence

[Judi Lynn]

Colombia to probe paramilitary political influence
16 Jan 2006 19:11:35 GMT

BOGOTA, Colombia, Jan 16 (Reuters) - Colombian President Alvaro Uribe has ordered an investigation into allegations that drug-running paramilitary groups are bribing politicians ahead of the March legislative election.

A presidential spokesman said on Monday Uribe, whom opponents accuse of coddling the right-wing militias, asked the attorney general to probe the campaign finances of two senators who are Uribe allies from the northern province of Cordoba.

"Democratic legitimacy and institutional credibility must be fundamental to the transparency of the elections," said a statement posted on the presidential Web site.

For months, analysts and politicians have warned that the "paras," which were formed in the 1980s by landowners trying to protect their property from left-wing guerrillas, are using illegal campaign contributions and threats of violence to influence the outcome of the March vote.
(snip/...)

http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/N16315429.htm

[mom cat]

1. Sounds like something for "show" to present to the Americans as

proof that they care about human rights. As long as they can keep their dollar pipeline full that is.

[pinerow]

2. Bribery in Colombian politics...?

whodathunkit...:wtf: