An Interview with Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos

I went to Brasilia yesterday to interview the new Colombian president, Juan Manuel Santos. This trip to Brazil marks Santos’ first official visit to a foreign government. According to Lula’s advisers, the former defense minister had “great chemistry” with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Santos said he was pleased with Lula’s condemnation of terrorism in the region, although the Brazilian president has not directly mentioned the FARC. In a speech during a luncheon for Santos at Itamaraty (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), Lula reaffirmed that nothing justifies terrorism and that he supported the fight of the Colombian people.

In relation to President Obama, there is a question mark. Colombia is traditionally one of the U.S.’ major allies, collaborating with millions in military aid and the fight against drug trafficking (Plan Colombia). Washington has always been the first destination for Colombian representatives. But this time a visit to the White House is not even on the horizon.

“You already have an appointment with President Obama?”

Santos replied, a little annoyed: “I do not have a formal meeting with Obama, not yet. But we have the best of terms with the United States and will continue with this relationship. I have no plans to visit Washington, but at some point of course I will. “

The only trip scheduled is to the UN General Assembly in New York in September.

Much was speculated about the future of the relationship between Colombia and the United States when Barack Obama won. Alvaro Uribe had close relations with rival Republican John McCain, who lost the U.S. election in 2008. Obama, a Democrat, is less enthusiastic about Colombia and focuses on relations with Mexico, which require more attention because of the drug war. Another point of friction is the free trade agreement between Colombia and the U.S. — it is stalled in Congress with no sign that it will be approved soon. Unlike the Republicans, Obama is not a big fan of free trade agreements and will not risk alienating his union allies, who oppose the agreement, to press for congressional approval.