ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia

This presidential determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory requirements to receive continued U.S. assistance for aerial drug interdiction, including the ability to identify and warn suspected drug trafficking aircraft before using force. The determination extends existing authority under the 1995 NDAA rather than creating new policy.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 67011

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication and congressional notification

Key directives

  • Certify Colombia meets requirements for aerial drug interdiction assistance under 22 U.S.C. 2291-4
  • Confirm Colombia has procedures to protect against innocent loss of life including aircraft identification and warning protocols
  • Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register
  • Secretary of State to notify Congress of this determination

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Determination takes effect upon signing and certification
  • Secretary of State authorized to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication and congressional notification

Long term

  • Continued U.S. drug interdiction assistance to Colombia for the period covered by this annual certification

Risks & tensions

  • Statutory requirement for annual certification creates recurring dependency on presidential action
  • Vague 'effective means to identify and warn' standard leaves room for interpretation regarding adequacy of Colombian procedures
  • Aerial interdiction programs carry inherent risk of civilian casualties despite procedural safeguards
Presidential Determination: Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia · Executive Orders