She has requested well-documented, thoughtful letters to Colombian
officials, from individuals and organizations in the United States,
emphasizing the hazards of spraying herbicides to human health,
wildlife, and ecosystems. Other evidence that might be useful in such
letters might include concerns about the effects of spraying on
indigenous populations, problems with similar programs in other
countries (e.g., lack of accountability), economic impact of such a
campaign, etc.
Offices in Colombia that should receive your letters include
- Presidente Cesar Gaviria, Palacia de Narin~o, Santa Fe de
Bogota, Colombia
- Fernando Carillo, Ministro de Justicia, Calle 26 No. 27-48,
Bogota, Colombia
- Camilo Gonzalez, Ministro de Salud, Calle 16 No. 7-39, Bogota,
Colombia
- Carlos Gustavo Arricia Padilla, Produrador General, Carrera 5a
No. 15-80, Bogota, Colombia
- Luis Augusto Cangrejo, Delegado Agradio, Carrera 5a No. 15-80
Piso 10, Bogota, Colombia
Please send a copy to Nubia Amparo Cardenas, Procuraduria Delegada
para Asuntos Agrarios, Procuraduria General, Carerra 5a No. 15-80, 10
Piso, Bogota, Colombia) as well, and one to us at the Pesticide Action
Network North America Regional Center (965 Mission St. suite 514, San
Francisco, CA 94103), if possible.
Amparo Cardenas has asked whether aerial herbicide spraying is
used by DEA or other law enforcement in the US for marijuana
eradication - the Colombian police claim that "the US is doing it" and
that this helps justify the program... (?)
Thanks for your help and interest. Judith Gips for PAN North
America Regional Center.