EU criticises Colombia on rights

[Say_What]

The army in Colombia can now make arrests without warrants, tap phones, and collect evidence in *war zones* (read: OIL). Meanwhile, coca fumigation kills other crops, harms health, and kills the environment.

<clips>

The EU has indirectly rebuked the Colombian Government over radical anti-terror laws, asking it to respect the rule of law in its grinding civil war.

But Chris Patten, EU commissioner currently on a South America tour, said he was supportive of the fight against terror "in principle".

He also criticised the US-backed drive to eradicate coca production, Plan Colombia, saying it was ineffective.

Human rights groups have welcomed Mr Patten's comments.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3420053.stm

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[Judi Lynn]

1. Another article on EU vs. Colombian rightwingnut President Uribe

(snip) Uribe Faces EU Questions on Human Rights


By KIM HOUSEGO
Associated Press Writer

January 23, 2004, 5:23 AM EST


BOGOTA, Colombia -- A top European Union official warned Colombian President Alvaro Uribe that he faces a barrage of questions about his government's respect for the rule of law when he visits Europe next month to win backing for his tough, U.S-backed security policies. (anip)

Human rights groups, however, warned the bill could lead government forces to commit abuses, while the United Nations said it was incompatible with international law.

"Many people will want to discuss with him (Uribe) the recommendations of the United Nations," Patten said at a news conference in Bogota. "The improvement in civil liberties and human rights can and must go hand-in-hand with the overcoming of violence."

Uribe, a close U.S. ally, is scheduled to tour EU headquarters in Belgium, Germany and Italy on Feb. 7-14, the president's office said, in a bid to secure political and financial backing for his policies. The United States is funding much of the military buildup.
(snip/...)

http://www.newsday.com/news/nationworld/world/wire/sns-ap-colombia-europe,0,3516501.story?coll=sns-ap-world-headlines