The
Pros of Plan Colombia
according
to its proponents
Because
of the idealistic nature of the plan, many of the "pros" are loyal to the
ideals, while the "cons" are criticizing the reality of implementing the
strategies and the further repurcussions of the methods.
It will eliminate
some drug trafficking to the U.S. and other consumer countries:
coca primarily, but also opium poppies and marijuana
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Plan will promote
a more stable and democratic government
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Alternative Development
will help economic crisis (for example: a factory is being built in Putumayo,
a drug-ridden southern region, to process hearts of palm, a hopeful substitute
crop for people of the area)
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The expansion of
international trade, accompanied by enhanced access to foreign markets
and free trade agreements to attract foreign and domestic investment are
promoted by the plan and key to the modernization of our economic base
and to job creation.
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Such a strategy
is crucial at a time when Colombia is confronting its worst economic crisis
in seventy years, with unemployment reaching 20%, which in turn greatl
limits the government’s ability to confront drug trafficking and the violence
it promotes.
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will help the police
and military to fight crime and restore the rule of law to provide security
to Colombians
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The alternative development
portion of the plan includes sustainable, integrated and participatory
productive projects combined with the required infrastructure to make an
attempt at preserving the environment and the valuble rainsforest, especially
in the southwest.
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The social participation
part of the plan will, hopefully promote innovative and productive models
in the face of a more globalized economy and thus strengthen agricultural
communities and reduce the risks of rural violence.
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This part also seeks
to include the promotion of mechanisms and educational programs to increase
tolerance, the essential values for peaceful co-existence, and participation
in public affairs.