ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

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

President Obama certified that Colombia meets statutory requirements for U.S. drug interdiction assistance, specifically aerial interdiction of suspected drug trafficking aircraft, finding that Colombia has adequate procedures to protect innocent life. The Secretary of State is directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register and notify Congress.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 50559

Impact dates

  1. Secretary of State to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Key directives

  • Certify Colombia meets requirements for aerial drug interdiction assistance under 22 U.S.C. 2291-4
  • Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register
  • Secretary of State to notify Congress of this determination

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Certification takes effect upon signing, authorizing continued assistance

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of State to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Long term

  • Continued U.S.-Colombia counter-narcotics cooperation framework

Risks & tensions

  • Statutory certification requirement creates recurring pressure; future denial would disrupt bilateral security cooperation
  • Aerial interdiction carries inherent risk of mistaken identity and civilian casualties despite procedural safeguards
Presidential Determination: Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia · Executive Orders