McCain Praises Colombian Drug War

Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) toured Colombia this week and praised the government of President Alvaro Uribe for its anti-drug efforts, the Associated Press reported July 2.

"Drugs is a big, big problem in America. The continued flow of drugs from Colombia through Mexico into the United States is still one of our major challenges for all Americans," said McCain, whose itinerary included a look at Colombia's drug-interdiction efforts in the port of Cartagena.

McCain also praised Plan Colombia, the multi-billion-dollar U.S. aid package to support Colombian drug interdiction and eradication efforts. McCain said that the program had helped raise the street price of cocaine in the U.S.

However, McCain also urged Uribe to work to improve Colombia's human-rights record. "I've been a supporter of human rights for my entire life and career," McCain said. "We have discussed this issue with President Uribe and will continue to urge progress in that direction. I believe progress is being made and that more progress needs to be made."