By Kay Scrimger
June 29, 2009

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe addressed the Opening Luncheon of the 77th Annual Conference of Mayors Meeting on Friday, June 12.

In his introduction, USCM President Miami Mayor Manny Diaz said that Uribe had asked to address the Conference of Mayors. "This is a distinct honor for us," Diaz said, "which exemplifies his commitment and work as a former mayor of Medallin himself." Diaz pointed out that Uribe has a "70 percent plus" approval rating.

"Mayors are the leaders closest to citizens and communities," Uribe began. "Whenever any citizen has a need, he or she looks to the mayor, whether in the United States or in my own country."

Elected in May 2002 with 53 percent of the vote, Uribe ran on a platform to restore security to the country. He vowed that if he won, he would protect teachers, trade unions, journalists, and mayors.

The day after being elected President, he became "very sad because four hundred mayors had to flee to the capital city of one of the provinces for protection from terrorist groups that had threatened them."

Uribe described the changes and reforms that have occurred in Colombia during his presidency. In the Fall after his election, Uribe released a national security strategy that called for political, economic, and military engagement to weaken all illegal narco-terrorist groups. His government offered to negotiate a truce with these groups on the condition that they agree to a unilateral ceasefire and would end drug trafficking and kidnapping.

In 2004, the Uribe government established for the first time in recent Colombian history, a government presence in every one of the 1,099 municipalities. Results of his efforts include:

• A decrease of 91 percent of attacks against rural towns by illegally armed groups, between 2002 and 2005; and

• From 2002–2007, homicides decreased by 44 percent, kidnappings by 85 percent, terrorist attacks by 79 percent, and attacks on infrastructure by 60 percent.

He was reelected in 2006 with 63 percent of the vote.

Because of his efforts to make Colombia more safe and secure, "Today all mayors are in their own cities in Colombia," he said proudly to loud applause.

Uribe focused on the political culture of his nation. "Colombia is a country of very solid democratic institutions," he said. "At all levels of government are independent bodies. Citizen participation is ingrained in the political culture."

"The first direct mayoral elections were held in 1988. In 1991, the country adopted a new Constitution, which called for the popular direct election of governors. In its 32 provinces, Colombia today has 1,099 directly elected mayors, 11,000 directly elected city council members, 600 state legislators," the President noted. "We govern in harmony and with responsibility, regardless of political party," he said.

He thanked the Conference of Mayors for passing a resolution at the 76th Annual Meeting in Miami, calling for passage of the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, and called upon mayors to continue to press for its passage.

In other areas — education, health, the environment, and other areas — Colombia is also making progress. Of its 46 million people, 41 million have health care. However, there are two systems — one for formal workers, the other for informal workers. "This is an area that needs improvement, and we need better hospitals," he stated.

He also noted that many opportunities for American investment exist in Colombia. "Colombia is a big country, lacking infrastructure. Bogota has eight million people, and our road system is lacking. I remind all companies in your cities to participate in helping to build infrastructure in our cities," he said.

The President stressed that major goals of his Administration are to gain the confidence of his citizens and other nations. "Confidence arises from the attainment of safety and security in the nation, investment, and social cohesion," he said. The investment rate in Colombia has been 25 percent, even in this year of global economic downturn.

He requested that U.S. mayors coordinate actions with Colombia in the fight against drugs. He stressed that countries today must deal with the drug problem at all levels, targeting both producers as well as consumers.

"Today, it is impossible to distinguish between countries that are drug consumers and those that are producers. Within the same country you face production, traffic, and consumption," he said.