ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia

This presidential determination certifies that Colombia meets statutory conditions for U.S. assistance in aerial drug interdiction under the 1995 NDAA. It continues existing authority for the U.S. to support Colombia in intercepting aircraft suspected of illicit drug trafficking, contingent on Colombia maintaining procedures to minimize innocent casualties.

Federal Register Open PDF 78 FR 51647

Impact dates

  1. Secretary of State to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Key directives

  • Certify Colombia meets conditions for aerial drug interdiction assistance under 22 U.S.C. 2291-4
  • Secretary of State to publish determination in Federal Register
  • Secretary of State to notify Congress of this determination

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Determination takes effect upon signing and certification to Congress
  • Secretary of State directed to publish in Federal Register and notify Congress

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Continuation of aerial interdiction assistance program for fiscal year 2014 and beyond pending annual re-certification requirements

Risks & tensions

  • Annual re-certification requirement creates recurring political pressure on U.S.-Colombia relations
  • 'Reasonably suspected' standard and use of force against aircraft carry human rights and international law concerns
  • Procedures to protect innocent life are certified by executive judgment without external verification mechanism described
Presidential Determination: Continuation of U.S. Drug Interdiction Assistance to the Government of Colombia · Executive Orders