
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, June 26, 1994                   TAG: 9406260042
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A10   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Medium

U.S. CONFRONTS LEADER ON LINKS TO TRAFFICKING

The Clinton administration heard as long ago as last fall that Colombian drug traffickers were arranging for large donations to the campaign of Ernesto Samper, newly elected Colombian president, U.S. officials say.

Assistant Secretary of State Robert Gelbard met alone with Samper in Washington last October and asked him about evidence suggesting a link between him and the narcotics traffickers. U.S. officials, speaking only on grounds of anonymity, said Samper categorically denied the allegation.

Last week, the alleged donations by the Cali cocaine cartel exploded onto Colombia's political landscape with the release of an audiotape that further confirms the long-held U.S. suspicions.

The audiotape indicates the Samper campaign sought money from the cartel and that the traffickers were trying to "buy" five Cabinet positions, including that of defense minister.

Colombia's defense minister traditionally has played a key role in implementing strategies for curbing drug trafficking.

A senior U.S. official, asking not to be identified, said the tape is part of a "long chain of highly credible reports" connecting the cartel and the Samper campaign.

Samper has continued to deny any wrongdoing. He met late last week with U.S. Ambassador Morris Busby, but officials declined to characterize the meeting.

State Department spokesman Mike McCurry had said earlier that "it's not my understanding that we have confirmed" the link between Samper and the Cali cartel. But he also said, "That's something we're looking into."

The taped conversations were discussed during the Samper-Busby meeting, McCurry said Friday.

Congressional sources, also speaking on grounds of anonymity, said administration officials told them the traffickers contributed $6 million to the Samper campaign.

Colombia is the world's largest source of cocaine, and U.S. cooperation with Colombian President Carlos Gaviria in combatting the traffickers generally has been good.

by CNB