Danilo Albin @Danialri, Bilbao, Público, 06/06/2021
Translated by Andy Barton
A recently declassified document shows how Spain’s former monarch told the U.S. government that it would seek funding to help support 'Plan Colombia' in 2000. The initiative took the form of a military assistance agreement set in motion under the excuse of the 'War on Drugs'. It was one that would result in thousands of deaths and serious violations of human rights. After the Spanish king’s promise, the Spanish government at the time, headed up by José María Aznar, contributed $100 million.
Plan Colombia was operational between 2000 and 2016. From the very beginning, it counted on the full support of King Juan Carlos I and José María Aznar, the Spanish president at the time. Under the pretext of the ‘fight against drug trafficking’, the allied Colombian and U.S. governments drew up the controversial plan. At first glance, it was responsible for a sustained military strategy that allowed U.S. soldiers to participate in Colombian military operations. More important was the economic aid that came with it, coming to a total of around $10 billion, for an endless war against guerrilla forces that took a heavy toll on the Colombian people. In Spain, the Partido Popular (Popular Party) government, under the auspices of the Casa Real (Royal House), helped to finance the operation.
According to the
declassified document obtained by Público, the Spanish newspaper, Plan
Colombia was one of the topics of conversation during an official meeting
between Juan Carlos I and Clinton on 23rd February 2000 during the former’s
visit to the White House. The Spanish King left no room for ambiguity, stating
that Spain was already searching for funding that could be used to support the
U.S. intervention on Colombian soil.
February 2000: the presidential couple receiving the royal couple at the White House. Queen Sofia stumbles, Bill helps her up
