Clinton clears Colombia drug fight cash

President Clinton has decided that the Colombian government has improved its human rights record enough to justify the release of funds to help it fight drug trafficking.

American law had held up the hand-over of the one-point-three-billion dollar package while the Colombian president, Andres Pastrana, implemented a plan to end civil rights abuses.

Mr Clinton -- who's going to Colombia next week -- says enough has been done for him to sign a waiver.

The money will be used to train and equip Colombian security forces and supply them with helicopters for use in the fight against drug traffickers.

Critics say the Colombian military could use the resources to continue a campaign of repression against rebels.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service