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January 2003

Disappointing End to the 107th Congress; Challenges for the 108th Congress
When the 107th Congress ended in November they left much work undone. While significant time was spent on debate on the war on Iraq and the new Department of Homeland Security, little was done about a variety of health care issues, welfare reform, and 11 of the 13 spending bills. NETWORK, the Catholic lobby organization will have a complete wrap up and analysis of the 107th Congress which will be available on the web site at www.networklobby.org.

The mid-term elections in November had significant consequences for the makeup of the next Congress. For the first time in decades the Republicans are in control of the White House and both Houses of Congress. The lame duck session of the 107th indicated the strength and influence the Administration already has over the legislative agenda. It will certainly have even more influence in the 108th Congress.

The Washington Office on Africa (WOA) is already preparing for the new Congress. Many members of Congress say that Americans do not care about development assistance to Africa so they don’t vote for it. As the new Congress begins, this is an ideal time to contact them about development assistance to Africa and let them know that we are concerned about Africa. Visit their website at www.woaafrica.org for more information about the 0.7 Initiative that targets that percentage of a donor’s Gross National Product (GNP) for assistance to Africa.

Also, two opportunities to learn about legislative issues and lobby the new Congress are available in February. See the end of this J/P Alert for information about these programs.

Columbian Military Aid Suspended
For the first time the United States suspended military assistance to Colombia based on the human rights record of the country. While the suspension is limited to one Colombian Air Force unit implicated in a serious human rights violation, the action will certainly get the attention of the entire military. The action is in response to an attack on December 13, 1998 by a Colombian Air Force helicopter that launched rockets near the village of Santo Domingo, Arauca. Several rockets his civilian homes and 18 civilians died, including seven children. The attack was initially covered up by the Colombian military but a later government investigation determined that the weapons used against the civilians were U.S.-made rockets.

The decision is based on U.S. legislation that requires the Secretary of State to suspend military aid to foreign security forces credibly alleged to be involved in human rights violations when there are no effective measures taken to investigate and punish those responsible. This recent action is not only significant because it is the first time aid has been suspended to Colombia, but it comes during a time when the human rights condition was suspended in the Supplemental Spending Bill passed last year. In 2002, the U.S. government provided Colombia with $415 million in military aid and lifted the restrictions preventing the Colombian security forces from using the funding to combat illegal armed groups. In addition to this aid, there are currently 138 temporary and permanent U.S. military personnel in Colombia.

Human Rights Watch, in a report issued in November, documents the activity of the Colombian Attorney General’s Office since Luis Camilo Osroio took office in July 2001. The report indicates that the ability of his office to investigate and prosecute serious human rights abuses has deteriorated significantly. The report says, "Virtually every ongoing investigation involving senior military officers or paramilitary leaders has been blocked. Experienced prosecutors working on those cases have been fired for forced to resign. Colombia’s struggle against the paramilitaries, who are responsible for most of the country’s massacres and a substantial portion of its narcotics exports, has been undermined."

The report is available on their web site at www.hrw.org.

Update on Myrna Mack Case - Appeals Set, Witness Threatened
The Guatemalan Appeals Court was set to hear the appeals of the military officers convicted in the murder of Guatemalan human rights advocate Myrna Mack (see J/P Alert, November 2002). Colonel Juan Valencia Osorio was sentenced to 30 years in prison for his part in the murder but he is appealing that sentence and will present his case before the court. The results of the appeal will be reported in a future issue of the J/P Alert.

In another related matter, Jorge Lemus Alvarado, the key witness leading to the conviction of Valencia reported that he has been the victim of constant acts of intimidation, including death threats. He has reported the intimidation to the Public Ministry Witness Protection Program, but was told that it could not guarantee his safety.

Save the Dates
February 7 – 12, 2003 – Annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, Washington, DC. Gathering of social justice ministry leadership for national Catholic organizations and offices, dioceses, parishes and religious congregations. The meeting includes prayer and celebration, challenging speakers, and social mission skill workshops. In addition participants receive detailed briefings on priority national and international issues which impact the poor and vulnerable, and then have an opportunity to meet with their Senators and Representatives. This year CMSM is a sponsor of the gathering and has been involved in the planning of the program. Information and on-line registration is available at www.usccb.org/sdwp/csmg03.htm.

February 23 – 26, 2003 – Advocacy Days for Africa and the Middle East, Washington, DC. Sponsored by Churches for Middle East Peace, Africa Faith and Justice Network, the Washington Office on Africa Church World Service, and Lutheran Stand with Africa Campaign. The Advocacy Days will include speakers and workshops on current issues in Africa and the Middle East and an opportunity to meet with your Senators and Representatives. It will be held at the National City Christian Chruch in Washington, DC. The fee is $80. You can get more information by contacting Churches for Middle East Peace, www.cmep.org, 202-488-5613.

July 6 – 10, 2003 – The National Migration Conference. Omni Shoreham Hotel, Washington, DC. Sponsored by the Migrant and Refugee Services/USCCB and CLINIC. The conference will focus on the many issues regarding migrants and refugees. Workshops and speakers will address a broad range of topics of interest to CMSM members including Assembly resolution issues such as advocacy for migrants and human trafficking. For more information contact MRS/USCCB at 202-541-3000.

Stan De Boe, OSST
Editor

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