Colombia: July 23, 2001

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The government arrested a general (Rito Alejo del Rio) on charges of supporting AUC attacks on civilians in 1995-97. It is thought this is being done in order to obtain more military aid from the United States. Meanwhile, the government is becoming concerned about the increased rate at which money is fleeing the country. In the first half of 1999, $220 million of private capital was sent out of the country. In the same period in 2000 it was $600 million and in 2001, a billion dollars. Local investors are increasingly reluctant to put their money to work in Colombia and seek overseas opportunities as well. This means higher unemployment in Colombia and increased migration of Colombians.