Antigua and Barbuda is a democratic nation that has good bilateral relations with the United States. We have been encouraging the Government of Antigua and Barbuda to participate more actively in counternarcotic efforts and other multilateral security activities. U.S. funded training assists in the development of a more professional and efficient security force. Participating in joint exercises and maritime training in and maintenance training increase Antigua and Barbuda's ability to work with U.S. entities in counternarcotic operations, search and rescue operations and other bilateral and multilateral operations. An 82-foot patrol boat, provided by the U.S. government and delivered in 1998, has been used extensively for coastal patrolling and maritime counternarcotic missions.

Argentina

Argentina is a democratic nation and a close ally in the strategically important Southern Cone region. We have a close relationship with the GOA and the Argentine military actively participates in international peacekeeping and other multilateral efforts. The President has also designated Argentina as a Major Non-NATO Ally. To promote interoperability and knowledge of U.S. operations, the Argentine military participated in a number of joint exercises with U.S. forces.

IMET courses in civil-military operations, command and general staff officer training and non-commissioned officer training, as well as participation at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies all assist Argentina's efforts to modernize and professionalize its armed forces. They also help reinforce the concept of civilian control of the military and familiarize Argentine military with U.S. military doctrine and practices. Other training in helicopter maintenance and courses in logistics management also increase Argentina's ability to maintain U.S. equipment in its inventory, thus improving Argentine interoperability with U.S. forces in bilateral and multilateral activities. As South America's second largest contributor of troops to international peacekeeping operations, training in peacekeeping and humanitarian demining further encourages Argentina's participation in these activities.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is a democratic nation that has good bilateral relations with the United States. IMET courses in basic military officers and NCO training and access to the Naval Staff College and a variety of maritime training courses assist The Bahamas in the development of a more professional and efficient security force.

The Bahamas is instrumental in assisting the U.S. in combating narcotics trafficking and illegal migration in the region. Training activities therefore include instruction in operational planning and exercises with U.S. forces. Training in ship management and boarding team operations greatly enhances The Bahamas' ability to perform law enforcement and security activities. Training on legal issues involving military encourages continued Bahamian participation in many bilateral and multilateral activities. One result has been close cooperation with the U.S. Government on a combined counterdrug law enforcement effort, Operation Bahamas and Turks and Caicos (OPBAT), along with increased emphasis by the Bahamas on money laundering and asset forfeiture investigations and prosecutions.

Barbados

Barbados is a democratic nation that has good bilateral relations with the United States. The planned training will assist Barbados in the development of a more professional and efficient security force. Training in marine safety and maritime search and rescue greatly enhances Barbados' ability to assist in counternarcotics efforts. Barbados has continued its leadership role in the Eastern Caribbean in passing domestic legislation to enable it to implement maritime law enforcement agreements. U. S. government training and support has facilitated execution of cooperative bilateral law enforcement efforts in the region.

Belize (UK)

Belize is a democratic nation that has a good bilateral relationship with the United States. We have encouraged the military of Belize to participate more actively in counternarcotic and other multilateral efforts. Because of its proximity to the United States, its long coastline dotted with many islands and inlets, and its position linking Central American and Caribbean states, Belize is an ideal transit point for illicit drugs headed for the United States. Easy access to the United States and Mexico makes Belize an attractive staging area for other international crimes as well. It is a market for vehicles stolen in the United States, a potential site for money laundering and a point of origin for smuggled wildlife and artifacts.

IMET and other programs provide training and equipment to maintain a small but disciplined Belize Defense Force (BDF). BDF troops served with the CARICOM Battalion during peacekeeping operations in Haiti and participated in regional training exercises with U.S., British and Caribbean forces. IMET training in the areas of mid-level officers training and equipment maintenance, as well as the rule of law and discipline in military operations, greatly improves the professionalism and competence of the BDF. A number of activities were conducted to help make the BDF a more effective partner when operating with U.S. forces in joint exercises and operations, particularly in the counterdrug area.

Bermuda (UK)

Bermuda is a non-sovereign territory of the United Kingdom in the Atlantic Ocean east of the United States. During FY 2003, they are projected to use FMS funding to send a number of students from their Department of Marine and Ports Services to the U.S. Coast Guard Training Center at Yorktown, VA to attend a variety of courses related to maritime maintenance, navigation, and officer training. Since Bermuda is a frequent stop for U.S.-owned yachts and cruise ships with U.S. passengers, this training will help ensure the safety of U.S. travelers and vessels that may call at their port or transit their waters. This training will also enhance Bermuda's ability to work with U.S. entities in counternarcotics operations, search and rescue operations and other bilateral and multilateral operations.

Bolivia

Bolivia is a democratic nation with a strong bilateral relationship with the United States. Bolivia is heavily engaged in a major counternarcotics effort with significant support and partial funding from the United States. The Bolivian government implemented a five-year counternarcotics plan early in 1998. U.S. Government training and participation in joint exercises have enabled Bolivia to phase out individual compensation for eradication, achieve record levels of eradication, substantially reduce the amount of coca under cultivation and increase the number of arrests and chemical seizures. This effort is hampered by resistance from those who have profited from the production and trafficking of narcotics, particularly cocaine. Special counternarcotic forces and certain select units of the military are active participants in the drug war. At times there have been violent confrontations between coca growers and government forces.

Bolivia has been certified as cooperating with U.S. counternarcotics policy. IMET funds provide professional military education and NCO training to enhance the professionalism of Bolivia's armed forces. Programs on civil-military relations, resource management and democratic institution building help reinforce principles of democracy and civilian control of the military. Prior-year FMF funds provided mid-level officer training and improved technical training for counternarcotic operations.

Brazil

As a result of its geographic size and economic power, Brazil has substantial influence over the entire South American continent and its military actively participates in international peacekeeping and other multilateral efforts. Our security relationship with this regional leader suffered a considerable decline in the late 1970s when Brazil was governed by a military regime that was displeased by our foreign policy's emphasis on human rights. This displeasure resulted in the cessation of the US-Brazil Military Assistance Accord that had been in effect since WWII. Brazil's transition to civilian government in 1985 paved the way for a closer partnership and its creation of a civilian-led Ministry of Defense in 1999 greatly facilitated our bilateral defense relationship. Today, that relationship can be characterized as mature and continually improving.

IMET training courses for NCOs, mid-level and senior officers, and participation at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies assist Brazil's efforts to modernize and professionalize its armed forces and help strengthen the principle of civilian control of the military. Other training in equipment maintenance and logistics also enhances Brazil's ability to maintain its inventory and further encourages Brazil's participation in international peacekeeping and humanitarian operations. Finally, participation in joint exercises strengthens interoperability with U.S. forces.

Chile

Chile is a key partner of the United States in the Western Hemisphere and beyond. Our military training activities help to advance the U.S. interests in regional stability, interoperability with U.S. forces and the maintenance and protection of basic democratic values and human rights. As the Chilean armed forces have become more modern and professional, they have expanded their participation in U.S.-advocated activities such as international peacekeeping.

The IMET program has been an invaluable tool in the transition away from the Pinochet era. Technical training has supported Chile's efforts to modernize its forces, which, combined with Chile's participation in joint training exercises with American personnel, has enhanced effective interoperability with the United States. The provision of management training for non-commissioned, mid-level and senior officers has helped Chile to further professionalize its armed forces. Overall, contact between Chilean and U.S. military and civilian personnel through the IMET program has strengthened Chile's democracy and steadily eased the misperceptions that had arisen between our two countries.

Chile's EIPC-assisted peacekeeping capability supports U.S. interests by facilitating regional and international cooperation. Increased peacekeeping readiness encourages cooperation among the Chilean services, strengthens and further motivates Chile's rationale for defense modernization and promotes collaboration and exchanges with the U.S. and other regional militaries. Due in part to training programs such as these, today's Chilean military is more modern, more professional and more willing and able to support the U.S. than ever before.

Colombia

Colombia is Latin America's oldest formal democracy and a major ally of the United States in the fight against international narcotics trafficking and terrorism. As the source of most of the cocaine and much of the heroin consumed in the United States, Colombia is the focus of a significant share of the U.S. government's international counterdrug effort. Prior to the passage of the FY 02 Supplemental Appropriations Act, the largest part of the training provided to the Colombian military was in direct support of the U.S. counterdrug strategy. Since then, U.S. training has focused on assisting the Colombian military in its unified campaign against narcotics traffickers and designated terrorist groups.

In FY 02 section 1004 counterdrug training in Colombia represents a variety of United States Marine Corps and Special Operations Forces (SOF) efforts, including aviation aircrew training, Colombian Marine riverine training, and light infantry training of Colombian police and military. All section 1004 training was provided in support of drug eradication and interdiction efforts. In FY 2002, the major focus of SOF training was the 1st Counterdrug Battalion and other units of the Colombian Army. The overall effort trained over 2,780 Colombian Army personnel. Extensive sustainment training is reflected in FY 2003 planning as is the required increased support for training of aircraft mechanics, crew and pilots for the assets provided to the GOC for counternarcotic programs.

The FY 2002 Supplemental Appropriations Act provided DOD with expanded authority to use Colombia assistance funds to support the Government of Colombia in its unified campaign against narcotics trafficking and terrorist groups such as the FARC, ELN, and AUC and to take actions to protect human health and welfare in emergency circumstances, including undertaking rescue operations. As part of the Act, Congress also approved $6M to enhance the Colombian military's ability to protect critical infrastructures, specifically the Cano Limon pipeline. In FY 2003 SOF will provide training and equipment as part of this initiative. More FY 2003 FMF funding is expected to fund infrastructure security training assistance.

The IMET program adds to these training efforts, and funds a broad range of courses for the Colombian military at all levels that promote mutually beneficial military-to-military relations and increase understanding and defense cooperation between the U.S. and Colombia. Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies and IMET courses include a strong emphasis on human rights, including courses on democratic sustainment. IMET also provides technical training for NCOs and field-grade officers, as well as training in maintenance, logistics and resource management. These courses assist the Colombian military by increasing its abilities to better care for and maintain U.S.-provided equipment, thus increasing Colombia's ability to pursue its counterdrug and counterterrorist efforts, as well as its efforts to reestablish security throughout Colombia.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a democratic nation, a major ally in Central America and was the first Central American nation to sign and ratify a Maritime Counternarcotics Agreement with the United States. Costa Rica actively participates in efforts to reduce illegal migration, drug trafficking and poaching of marine fisheries in the region, and has become a staunch U.S. partner in the fight against international crime, greatly expanding and complementing our law enforcement efforts in the region.

Costa Rica is one of two countries in Latin America that does not have a military, relying on its Public Security Forces for defense. It participates in the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, and IMET training serves to further professionalize the Coast Guard and law enforcement services through courses such as patrol craft commander training, rule of law and discipline in military operations, and NCO professional development training. Likewise, as the GOCR assumes an increasingly sophisticated counternarcotics role, other training provides access to modern, state-of-the-art law enforcement methods, as well as assistance in equipment maintenance, logistics and resource management. Counternarcotics training focuses on operational skills, as well as joint exercises to improve interoperability with U.S. forces.

Dominica

Dominica is a democratic nation that has good bilateral relations with the United States. We have been encouraging the Government of Dominica to participate more actively in counternarcotic efforts and other multilateral security activities. The planned training will assist Dominica in the development of a more professional and efficient security force and will enable Dominica to work with U.S. entities in counternarcotic activities, search and rescue operations, international peacekeeping efforts and other bilateral and multilateral operations.

Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a democratic nation and a close ally of the United States. We have encouraged the Dominican Republic military to participate more actively in counternarcotic operations and other multilateral efforts.

IMET training in areas such as civil-military operations and democratic sustainment will contribute to the Dominican Republic's support for the principles of human rights, democracy and civilian control of the military. Professional training and education at all levels (including NCO training and command and staff colleges) improves the professionalism of the Dominican Republic armed forces. Other training included technical and counternarcotics training to increase the Dominican Republic's ability to operate with U.S. forces, and joint exercises which promoted team building and provided baseline knowledge of U.S. operations.

Ecuador

The U.S. has strong and friendly bilateral relations with Ecuador. Ecuador's democracy has been struggling in recent years under various pressures, including a severe financial crisis, rivalries between domestic regions, high-profile corruption and lack of support for the President. Ecuador's military has a great deal of independence and political influence, and they have some funding sources of their own which reduce their dependence on the budget process. Though Ecuador fought a brief, but hotly contested border war with Peru in February 1995, this conflict was settled by a bilateral agreement in October 1998, with the help of the United States and other guarantors of the Rio Protocol. The Ecuadorian military played a controversial role in the January 2000 political crisis, but has reaffirmed its commitment to civilian control.

Training in civil-military relations, the rule of law and discipline in military operations and as human rights instructors as well as participation at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies help reinforce the principles of civilian control of the military and strengthen the principles of human rights. Ecuador is designated as a major drug-transiting country, and many of the activities such as counternarcotic operations, officer training, resource management, logistics and equipment maintenance provide training needed to professionalize and modernize Ecuador's military. Significant training efforts in counterdrug operations have also been conducted. Joint exercises with U.S. forces contributed to continued cooperation with U.S. counternarcotic efforts. In November 1999, Ecuador and the United States concluded a ten-year agreement for the access and use of Manta Air Force Base, Ecuador, as a Forward Operating Location for U.S. aircraft monitoring drug trafficking flights through the region. USSOUTHCOM provides training for humanitarian demining efforts along Peru's border with Ecuador. U.S. Military Group Ecuador has trained a number of military and civilian officials through courses funded by IMET and E-IMET.

El Salvador

El Salvador is a democratic country that has had a historically close relationship with the United States. Bilateral military assistance has been dramatically reduced since the end of the civil war in 1992 and overall relations have flourished with the civilian government. The principal U.S. interests in El Salvador are supporting democracy, fighting international crime and illegal drugs, encouraging economic development, deterring illegal immigration to the U.S. and promoting U.S. exports.

Training is geared towards professional training programs that will sustain the dramatic improvement in civil-military relations and consequent improvement in the democratic climate and regional stability seen in recent years. Officer training at all levels, including command and staff colleges and courses in civil-military relations and democratic sustainment help reinforce the notion of civilian control of the military and reinforce the principles of human rights. In March 2000, the USG opened one of the three Forward Operating Locations (FOL), which supports counterdrug operations in the pacific corridor. The GOES granted the concession to base our operations in their country at great political expense, and our continued close relations with their military through IMET is vital to the longevity of this operation. Training, through IMET and FMF funds, in counternarcotic operations, resource management, logistics and equipment maintenance will provide assistance needed to professionalize and modernize the Salvadoran military and encourage its continued cooperation with U.S. counternarcotic efforts. Joint training exercises with U.S. forces will contribute to team building and give the armed forces exposure to U.S. counterdrug operations. El Salvador is also a transit point for illegal immigration and drugs to the U.S., and IMET will assist the GOES to better patrol its borders. Since the earthquakes of January/February 2001, emphasis has been given to helping the Salvadoran military carry out its disaster relief and reconstruction mission, as well as to building its disaster preparedness capabilities. The new roles of patrolling borders and disaster relief have created a needed and positive role for the military, helping to erase years of distrust by the population of the armed forces.

Grenada

Grenada is a democratic nation that has good bilateral relations with the United States. We have been encouraging the Government of Grenada to participate more actively in counternarcotic efforts and other multilateral security activities. The planned training will assist in the development of a more professional and efficient security force that will be able to work with U.S. entities in counternarcotic operations, search and rescue operations and other bilateral and multilateral operations. Joint training and exercises with U.S. forces will contribute to greater interoperability and baseline understanding of U.S. counterdrug operations.

Guatemala

Guatemala is a fragile democracy with a traditionally cooperative relationship with the United States. This relationship, however, has been strained by several factors: continuing impunity in cases involving military participation in human rights abuses that occurred during Guatemala's 36-year civil conflict; a recent resurgence of abuses believed to be orchestrated by ex-military and current military officials; and allegations of corruption and narcotics trafficking by ex-military officers. Because of continuing concerns regarding past human rights cases, Guatemala is restricted by Congressional mandate to receiving Expanded IMET (E-IMET) only.

Participation in Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies activities, and training in civil-military relations, rule of law and discipline in military operations and democratic sustainment help reinforce the goal of civilian control of the military and human rights principles. Other training activities help Guatemalan forces strengthen their drug enforcement capabilities, conduct interdiction and eradication activities and improve their ability to integrate their planning and execution with U.S. entities in regional counter-narcotic, disaster relief or humanitarian operations.

Guyana

The United States has friendly relations with Guyana, a small, poor, heavily indebted country with a wealth of natural resources. Guyana is making a slow transition to a free-market system and has held several free and fair elections over the past five years. Guyana has an unresolved border dispute with neighboring Suriname. Venezuela also has a long-standing claim to approximately two thirds of Guyana's territory. Neither border controversy is likely to lead to armed conflict in the immediate future.

Although Guyana has not been identified as a major drug-transit or producing country, narcotics trafficking is increasingly a concern. We have been encouraging the GOG to participate more actively in counternarcotic and other multilateral security activities. IMET training in professional military education, a variety of maritime related courses and those which support counternarcotic efforts, as well as participation in the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies, assist in the development of a more professional and efficient security force. Participating in joint exercises and training in maritime search and rescue increases Guyana's ability to work with U.S. entities in counternarcotic operations and other bilateral and multilateral operations. A Maritime Law Enforcement Agreement is legislation giving shipriders law enforcement authority.

In 2001, Guyana received four U.S. Coast Guard patrol boats under the Excess Defense Article program, and a minesweeper was obtained from Great Britain.

Haiti

The signing of a Letter of Agreement (May 15, 2002) between the USG and Government of Haiti on counternarcotics cooperation and Haiti's commitment to strengthen democracy under OAS Resolution 822 (September 4, 2002) provide the basis for targeted support of the Haitian National Police (HNP) and Haitian Coast Guard in FY 2003. Continued engagement with the Haitian Coast Guard will increase professionalism and respect for human rights and reinforce the rule of law in Haiti. USG training and support also will enable Haiti to cooperate more fully with the U.S. Coast Guard and other U.S. law enforcement agencies working to control narcotics trafficking, illegal migration and alien smuggling. Additional resources will allow the Haitian Coast Guard to expand their presence on the north and south coasts of the country and to demonstrate independent initiative in areas of concern. Cooperation with the HNP will additionally focus on providing a secure environment for national elections expected in 2003.

Honduras

Honduras is a democratic country and a close ally in the Central American region. Although Honduras is not designated as a major drug-transiting country, narcotic trafficking is a growing concern. Because of its geographic location, Honduras has become a transshipment point for narcotics entering the United States.

Participation in Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies and IMET-funded training is geared towards professional training programs that will sustain the dramatic improvement in civil-military relations and consequent improvement in the democratic climate and regional stability. Officer training at all levels, from NCO training up to command and staff colleges, and courses in civil-military relations and democratic sustainment help reinforce the notion of civilian control of the military and reinforce the principles of human rights. Prior-year FMF funds provided assistance in logistics management and support related to a 44' boat transferred under the Excess Defense Articles program. Training in counternarcotic operations, resource management, logistics and equipment maintenance, and participation in exercises with U.S. forces provide opportunities needed to professionalize and modernize the Honduran military and encourage its continued cooperation with U.S. counternarcotic efforts.

Jamaica

Jamaica is a stable democracy and the GOJ cooperates with the U.S. on a variety of international and regional issues, to include contributing troops to the U.S.-led multinational force that intervened in Haiti in 1994. Although Jamaica is a major transit country for cocaine and the largest Caribbean producer and exporter of marijuana, the GOJ's cooperation with U.S. counternarcotic goals has been fully certified. Jamaica has no serious external threats to its security and maintains a very small military.

Training in the rules of law and discipline in military operations and junior- to mid-level officer professional development help maintain a professional military force subject to civilian control. Additionally, training in aircraft repairs, information systems, logistics and maritime operations assists in maintaining the technical proficiencies of the Jamaican military, while continued U.S. counternarcotics training enhances Jamaica's ability to combat narcotics traffickers. U.S. Government training and exercises have enabled Jamaica to improve its participation in bilateral counterdrug initiatives, strengthen its drug enforcement, money laundering and anti-corruption laws, and improve its counternarcotic enforcement capabilities.

Mexico

Mexico, our second largest trading partner in the world, shares with the United States a 2,000 mile border and significantly improved levels of cooperation across a range of common interests and concerns, including counterterrorism, counternarcotics, and the fight against corruption. The Mexican military is focused primarily on internal security, but also plays a significant role in counternarcotic activities, including interdiction and the deployment of some 20,000 troops at any one time to manually eradicate marijuana and opium poppy fields. Mexico remains, nonetheless, an important source of marijuana and opium poppy. Additionally, as much as 70 percent of the cocaine entering the United States from South America passes through Mexico or surrounding waters off both coasts. Counternarcotics cooperation with the U.S. is coordinated through various mechanisms - including the Binational Commission (BNC), Senior Law Enforcement Plenary (SLEP), and Bilateral Interdiction Working Group (BIWG). The administration of President Vicente Fox has taken a courageous stand against transnational crime and corruption, viewing both as fundamental threats to Mexican national security; as a result, levels of coordination and bilateral cooperation in the counternarcotics field have reached unprecedented levels. Mexican efforts to clean house and attack internal corruption have also been dramatic; they include the recent disbanding of an entire battalion in Sinaloa and arrest of several senior officers for suspected ties to narcotraffickers.

Participation at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies and IMET-funded training in the areas of rule of law and discipline in military operations support the Fox administration's efforts to strengthen the rule of law and respect for human rights in both law enforcement and military branches of government. Mid-to-senior level officer training helps maintain the professionalism of the Mexican military. Resource management and equipment repairs help modernize and make proficient Mexico's armed forces. The U.S. conducts extensive training in the counternarcotics area, with special emphasis on helicopter repair and maintenance of aircraft. Technical assistance covering a broad range of counterdrug capabilities and assets enhance Mexico's ability to combat both home grown and foreign narcotics traffickers as well as cooperate more effectively with U.S. counterdrug efforts.

Nicaragua

The primary national interests of the United States in Nicaragua are to support and strengthen democratic institutions, foster regional security, interdict international crime and to promote broad-based economic growth and post-Hurricane Mitch recovery. Since the return of a democratically elected government in 1990, Nicaragua has made great strides in opening its economy and in establishing legitimate, responsive democratic institutions. In particular, the Nicaraguan National Army (EN), once the political tool of the Sandinistas (FSLN), has undergone a dramatic transformation and has become a respected democratic institution. Continued engagement will further contribute to this process. Training activities promote regional security and strengthen democratic institutions.

Indicative of the EN's evolution from merely an armed instrument of the FSLN Party to a professional, apolitical institution was the complete support offered by the Commander of the Nicaraguan Army for passage of the Nicaraguan Counterdrug Maritime Agreement, enacted in November 2001. The Counterdrug Maritime Agreement allows Coast Guard/law enforcement elements to conduct joint interdiction operations against narcotraffickers in Nicaraguan waters. Embassy Managua has made a concerted effort to cross-train elements of the Nicaraguan Military and Nicaraguan National Police in ship boarding, interdiction techniques and drug enforcement operations. In 2001, seven such courses were held.

IMET-funded training, such as civil-military relations and leadership training, have helped the EN make great progress in professionalizing its officer corps and supporting the leadership of a civilian president and a civilian Minister of Defense. The IMET program contains a significant English language component, as well as courses in military resource management and maritime operations. Participation at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies helps to stress the importance of human rights and the role of a modern military within a democratic framework.

Panama

Panama remains important to U.S. national interests following the transfer of the Panama Canal. Approximately 60% of Canal traffic originates in, or is destined for the United States. Panama's strategic location between South and North America makes it a crossroads for international commerce, and also a center for illegal activity such as drug trafficking, money laundering, arms trafficking and illegal immigration. As Panama is one of three Latin American nations without a standing military, the U.S. will need to continue cooperative efforts with Panamanian security forces to counter transnational crime, increase border security and address other threats. U.S. security engagement with Panama will become more crucial as Plan Colombia and the Andean Regional Initiative are implemented and Panama deals with the spillover of the Colombian conflict along its porous border with Colombia. Currently, the U.S. has an ad hoc agreement in place to provide legal coverage to members of the U.S. armed forces temporarily in Panama providing training or other assistance to the Government of Panama. The GOP has invited U.S. Army South to conduct a "New Horizons" engineering exercise in Panama in 2003.

Paraguay

Eleven years after the overthrow of the Alfredo Stroessner dictatorship, the consolidation of a democratic society and state continues. Bilateral relations between the U.S. and Paraguay are strong, with Paraguay providing excellent cooperation in the fight against terrorism. There is no external threat to Paraguay's security, and the Paraguayan military is struggling to define its modern mission.

Participation at the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies and IMET-funded U.S. training in civil-military affairs, democratic sustainment and the rule of law and discipline in military operations will help instill civilian control of the military and support the principles of human rights. Training of NCOs, field-grade and flag officers assists in professionalizing Paraguay's military, while training in logistics, maintenance and aircraft repairs help to maintain the technical proficiencies of Paraguay's armed forces and help Paraguay's counternarcotic efforts. The Paraguayan military is beginning to organize PKO efforts. They are gearing up to send 30 NCOs on a joint Paraguay/Argentina peacekeeping mission to Cyprus.

Peru

Peru is one of the largest countries in South America and has a strong bilateral relationship with the United States. The U.S. seeks to strengthen democratic institutions in Peru and to strengthen the GOP's ability to interdict and disrupt narcotics production and distribution. The U.S. has enjoyed excellent cooperation from the GOP in counternarcotic activities.

Training in human rights and the rule of law, and discipline in military operations helps reinforce the notion of civilian control of the military and reinforces support for the principles of human rights. Training in counternarcotic operations, professional military education, resource management, logistics and equipment maintenance provide training needed to professionalize and modernize Peru's military and enhance its capabilities in air operations, search and rescue and demining operations. This training is particularly important to the demining efforts along Peru's border with Ecuador in support of the 1998 peace settlement. Finally, significant training efforts in the area of counterdrug operations are underway. These activities include training to improve helicopter and other aircraft capabilities, as well as participation in training exercises with U.S. forces to improve interoperability.

St. Kitts and Nevis

St. Kitts and Nevis is a democratic nation that has good bilateral relations with the United States. We have been encouraging the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to participate more actively in counternarcotic efforts and other multilateral security activities. The planned training will assist St. Kitts and Nevis in the development of a more professional and efficient security force which will be able to work with U.S. entities in counternarcotic operations, search and rescue operations and other bilateral and multilateral operations. Participation in training exercises with U.S. forces augments counterdrug capabilities and enhances interoperability.

St. Lucia

St. Lucia is a democratic nation that has good bilateral relations with the United States. We have been encouraging the Government of St. Lucia to participate more actively in counternarcotic efforts and other multilateral security activities. The planned training will assist in the development of a more professional and efficient security force which will be able to work with U.S. entities in counternarcotic operations, search and rescue operations and other bilateral and multilateral operations. Joint training exercises with U.S. forces improve counterdrug capabilities and enhance interoperability.

St. Vincent and Grenadines

St. Vincent and the Grenadines is a democratic nation that has good bilateral relations with the United States. We have been encouraging the Government of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to participate more actively in counternarcotic efforts and other multilateral security activities. The planned training will assist St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the development of a more professional and efficient security force which will be able to work with U.S. entities in counternarcotic operations, search and rescue operations and other bilateral and multilateral operations. Joint training exercises with U.S. forces improve counterdrug capabilities and interoperability.

Suriname

The U.S. military security assistance objective in Suriname is, through the FMS/FMF, IMET, Humanitarian Civic Assistance, Humanitarian Assistance Program, and Traditional CINC's Activities programs, to assist the Surinamese armed forces (Nationale Leger) in becoming a more professional, apolitical service, providing external and internal security for the country, under democratic civilian-control. The U.S. military will continue to assist the Surinamese armed forces with the development of a counter-drug interdiction capability. Particular emphasis will be devoted to encouraging the armed forces to better utilize their growing FMF budget, to commit national funds to future FMS purchases, and to setting up an effective EDA program.

Trinidad - Tobago

Trinidad and Tobago is a democratic nation that enjoys strong bilateral relations with the United States. We have been encouraging the GOTT to participate more actively in counternarcotic efforts and other multilateral security activities. U.S. training at the Center for Hemispheric Studies helps reinforce civilian control of the military and the principles of human rights. Officer training assists in professionalizing the military, while training in medicine, electronics and defense resource management help maintain the technical proficiencies of the armed forces of Trinidad and Tobago. Training in communication and maritime operations helps strengthen Trinidad and Tobago's counternarcotic efforts.

Trinidad and Tobago continues to support its interagency coordination center that gathers narcotics related information from multiple sources and disseminates it to military and enforcement agencies involved in drug interdiction operations. U.S. government training and support have enabled Trinidad and Tobago to improve its ability to interdict illegal drug shipments, strengthen anti-drug trafficking laws and participate in bilateral maritime exercises.

Uruguay

Though often overlooked due to its small size, Uruguay is a model of stability and democracy in Latin America. The U.S. maintains strong bilateral relations with the Government of Uruguay, especially under current President Jorge Batlle who has publicly pushed for closer economic and political cooperation. The military is unequivocally subordinate to the control of the civilian political leadership. Uruguay's relations with neighbors Brazil and Argentina are excellent. The armed forces conduct a robust program of confidence and security building exercises and professional exchanges with the Brazilian and Argentine militaries that make the Southern Cone one of the least conflictive regions of the world. Among Latin American nations, the Uruguayan armed forces has been the largest per capita contributor of personnel for international peacekeeping missions, having deployed over 10,000 troops over the past decade. As of January 2003, Uruguay will have 1,679 soldiers deployed on 11 peacekeeping missions. The Uruguayan government also is a consistent contributor of humanitarian assistance to other Latin American countries during natural disasters. The Uruguayan Air Force has flown water purification equipment, medicine and other emergency supplies to Colombia, Venezuela and Central America over the past four years. The armed forces also provide all logistical and operational support for the Uruguayan scientific research base in Antarctica that is performing valuable research on depletion of the ozone layer.

Civilians and military officers attending the Center for Hemispheric Defense Studies and participating in IMET-funded training will help improve civil-military relations, rationalize the defense policy planning process and make it increasingly transparent, build civilian expertise in defense matters and inculcate the principals of human rights in future leaders. Mid- to senior-grade officers attending professional development courses will facilitate the modernization and professionalization of the armed forces. Technical, resource management and logistics training will help Uruguay maintain and manage its defense resources, improving their ability to operate with U.S. and international forces in peacekeeping operations, disaster relief missions and other joint operations.

Venezuela

Venezuela stands at a dramatic juncture in its 44-year democratic history. Increasing political confrontation has polarized Venezuelan society and heightened the possibility for a major political crisis. The military's long-term institutional commitment to constitutional government and democracy is vital to the maintenance of democratic and constitutional order in Venezuela. Counternarcotics and counterterrorism cooperation are important Venezuelan military missions and areas of significant cooperation with the United States. The Venezuelan military's important role supporting democracy, as well as cooperating in counternarcotic efforts and potentially in counterterrorism efforts, argues for expansion of our military engagement with the GOV.