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DATE=1/11/2000 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=CLINTON - COLOMBIA (S) NUMBER=2-257965 BYLINE=DEBORAH TATE DATELINE=WHITE HOUSE CONTENT= VOICED AT: ///Re-running w/must correct in introduction (change from 1.3 to 1.6 billion dollars)/// INTRO: The Clinton administration has announced a two-year, one-point-six-billion dollar plan to help Colombia implement political reforms and fight drug trafficking. President Clinton said Tuesday that building a stable democracy and fighting the drug trade in Colombia is in the fundamental U-S national interest. Correspondent Deborah Tate reports from the White House. Text: Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, speaking to reporters at the White House, says the aid will provide military hardware to upgrade Colombian forces in their fight against drug traffickers. The package - which is based on an anti-drug plan drawn up by Colombian President Andres Pastrana - will also increase coca crop eradication and promote alternative crops. In addition, it will support efforts to promote the peace process and support protection of human rights. The plan reflects heightened U-S concern over skyrocketing Colombian cocaine and heroine production and exports to the United States, as well as the Colombian government's difficulties in cracking down on Marxist guerrillas involved in drug trafficking. Ms. Albright believes there will be broad support for the aid plan in Congress, even though she acknowledges majority Republicans may disagree with how the funds are used. Many Republicans believe anti-drug aid should go directly to law enforcement. (Signed) NEB/DAT/TVM/JP 11-Jan-2000 20:29 PM EDT (12-Jan-2000 0129 UTC) NNNN Source: Voice of America .