WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, yesterday met with Colombian Foreign Minister Álvaro Leyva, Justice Minister Néstor Osuna, and Ambassador to the United States Luis Gilberto Murillo.
“Yesterday’s meeting with Foreign Minister Leyva, Justice Minister Osuna, and Ambassador Murillo provided an opportunity for us to discuss the U.S.-Colombia relationship and our shared challenges. I am especially concerned about the security implications related to weak counternarcotic efforts. Illicit drugs, including those originated in Colombia, pose an unprecedented threat to American families. I look forward to working with Colombia to address this threat and develop a stronger security strategy.
“In regards to Venezuela, I remain concerned that Colombia has reestablished diplomatic, security, and economic relations with the Maduro regime. Maduro has inflicted unspeakable violence on the Venezuelan people and should not be treated as a good faith international actor."