Peter Romero, the Latin American advisor for the presidential candidate, confirmed that any financial aid from the U.S. to Colombia would be contingent upon their respect for human rights.

Romero added that this would not affect the military aid that the U.S. provides to Colombia. He also criticized the Bush administration for concentrating their efforts on terrorism and business. Finally, he sustained that the country “is ready to dig beneath the surface and face the causes of the conflict.”

During the interview, Romero also claimed that Kerry, who this Thursday explained his backing for Plan Colombia, would make sure that any free trade agreement properly protected worker rights and environmental standards.

Despite the news from Kerry, there are still many who think that if elected president, he would reduce the foreign aid that the U.S. offers to Colombia.

Translation : C. Hancock