Clinton clears Colombia drugs cash

Colombia supplies about 80% of the world's cocaine market

United States President Bill 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.

US law had required that the hand-over of the $1.3bn aid package be held back while the Colombian president, Andres Pastrana, implemented a plan to end civil rights abuses.

The government has been struggling in its war against drugs traffickers

Mr Clinton, who is going to Colombia next week, certified that the country had met certain human rights requirements, waiving others it has not met.

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.

Violent country

The human rights reforms, including rules on military trials, were stipulated by the US Congress when it approved the aid package in June.

Colombia, one of the most violent countries in the world, has tried but failed to reach a peace agreement with the Marxist guerrilla movement, which has battled successive Colombian governments for 40 years.

The government has also tried to quell right-wing paramilitary violence and curb the growing drug trade, much of which is linked to the guerrilla movement.

Colombian traffickers are estimated to supply about 80% of cocaine sold around the world.