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

This determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory conditions for U.S. assistance in interdicting aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking, continuing authority originally granted under a 1995 law. It requires Colombia to have procedures protecting innocent life, including warning aircraft before use of force.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 42573

Impact dates

Aug 21, 2009
Federal Register publication filed

Key directives

Certify Colombia meets conditions for aircraft interdiction assistance
Certify Colombia has procedures to protect innocent life including warning aircraft before use of force
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 enabling continued U.S. drug interdiction assistance to Colombia

Near term (90d)

Secretary of State must publish determination in Federal Register and notify Congress

Long term

Continued bilateral drug interdiction cooperation under 1995 statutory framework

Risks & tensions

Use of force against aircraft carries inherent risk of civilian casualties despite procedural safeguards
Statutory certification creates legal but not operational guarantee of effective implementation
Document does not specify frequency of re-certification or monitoring mechanisms