Statement by Press Secretary Fitzwater Announcing the Drug Summit in Cartagena, Colombia

The President has accepted an invitation from President Barco of Colombia to attend a drug summit meeting in Cartagena, Colombia, on February 15. President Garcia of Peru and President Paz Zamora of Bolivia will also attend.

The meeting, which is expected to last 1 day, will discuss a wide range of subjects and is currently being reviewed with each of the Presidents by Assistant Secretary of State Bernard Aronson on his trip to each of the three capitals. While details are still being developed, it is anticipated that the summit will cover the following subjects: programs to reduce the demand for narcotics, increased cooperation in the areas of military and law enforcement assistance, economic assistance and support, and improving cooperation among the four countries on specific issues such as the control of precursor chemicals and money laundering.