Nominations Hearing in the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations
On Tuesday, June 29th, the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held a Nominations Hearing for Peter Michael McKinley to be Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia; Rose M. Likins to be Ambassador to the Republic of Peru; Mark Feierstein to be Assistant Administrator (Latin America and the Caribbean) of the United States Agency for International Development; and for Mimi E. Alemayehou to be Executive Vice President of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. Senator Robert Menendez (D-New Jersey) presided over the hearing. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) was also present.
WOLA intern Greg Sobetski and I attended the meeting. Here is an overview of the hearing.
Peter Michael McKinley to be Ambassador to the Republic of Colombia
The first to address the Committee was Ambassador McKinley, until recently the U.S. Ambassador to Peru. In his testimony, he affirmed that the United States will continue to support Colombia in the future. He stated that, if confirmed, his mission’s priorities would be to continue the success that Colombia has had so far by enhancing the security of all the citizens, consolidating the successes from counternarcotics, strengthening human rights and the rule of law, and promoting social inclusion and economic development, especially for the internally displaced persons (IDP) and the most disadvantaged populations in Colombia - Afro-Colombian and indigenous populations, among others. In addition, McKinley also said that Colombia will have a larger role in the region and internationally, seen through its contributions in Haiti after the earthquake and in the training provided to Mexico and other Latin American countries in law enforcement, among other things.
McKinley also referred to the fight against drug trafficking and the United States' commitment to continue working to eradicate this problem. He stated that the United States' support has been pivotal in Colombia’s struggle against drugs, and that Colombia has had success in disrupting the drug trade, consolidating the Colombian judicial and law enforcement system, and fostering alternative development. The United States still maintains their alliance and assistance to Colombia to continue working in these issues, and also in supporting Colombia’s efforts against illegal armed groups. However, the United States intends to continue transferring responsibilities to the Colombian government.
Senator Menendez asked him if human rights are a priority for him considering that Colombia has 3 million IDPs, and several cases of human rights abuses still unsolved. McKinley answered that the United States has always been concerned and supportive of the displaced population. But he still acknowledged that the assistance needs to be more meaningful, and that Colombia has been working to improve the livelihoods of those internally displaced. The U.S. and Colombian governments will continue working together on these issues. Human rights are a central issue in the relationship between both countries. Another of McKinley’s priorities is strengthening the rule of law and dealing with the cases of human rights abuses, as he mentioned in his testimony. He also mentioned that his intention is to support those actors under threats, like union leaders and human rights activists.
Senator Barrasso asked McKinley about his opinion on Colombia's recently elected new leader, Juan Manuel Santos. McKinley explained that the election took place with interest in security, but also in other issues, such as unemployment, rule of law, human rights and development. But in spite of the progress made on security, there are still significant threats that need to be addressed. On Venezuela, the ambassador said that Colombia and the Bolivarian country have tensions, but that the United States promotes dialogue and communication between these two countries and with the Chávez government.
Rose M. Likins to be Ambassador to the Republic of Peru
In her testimony, Mrs. Likins stated that the United States’ relations with Peru are based on trade, economic development, democratic progress and security cooperation against drug trafficking and terrorism. President Garcia’s administration is committed to open markets, global integration and representative democracy. Peru also shows leadership in the region by contributing to MINUSTAH, having held OAS General Assembly meeting this year, and being engaged with the region’s problems. Likins said that if confirmed, she will work to promote the United States' goals of regional stability and development in Peru. Her other priorities include cooperation with Garcia’s government to fight illicit drug trafficking, considering that Peru is today the largest producer of coca according to a United Nations report, many of which are destined for the United States. Likins highlighted the successful case of the San Martin region, where alternative development and crop substitution replaced coca cultivation with organic coffee and cacao. These counternarcotics efforts where largely supported by the United States.
Menendez asked her what role she would have in the fight against drug trafficking in Peru, if confirmed as ambassador. Likins responded that she wants to replicate San Martin’s success story in Peru, where eradication of coca plantations was followed by alternative development. In addition, Likins wants to make more progress in the interdiction efforts against narcotrafficking. Senator Barrasso also questioned her on Peru’s increase in coca production. Likins restated that this is an important issue in the relationship between the United States and Peru. She affirmed that the Peruvian government considers this a priority as well. Finally, she insisted that there is room for improving eradication and interdiction efforts, in addition to following San Martin’s model.
Mark Feierstein to be Assistant Administrator (Latin America and the Caribbean) of the United States Agency for International Development
Mark Feierstein’s testimony pointed out his strong commitment to development in Latin America and the Caribbean. From USAID, he will work, if confirmed, to establish partnerships with governments, independent organizations and with the people of the Americas. He recounted how his previous professional experience has allowed him to be aware of what the people’s concerns and interests are in the region: crime and insecurity, the shortage of good jobs and the uneven distribution of wealth, their frustration with public officials and corruption and poor education. Feierstein stated that progress in these areas is needed, not only for Latin American citizens, but also because USAID’s work is not charity; it represents the United States' interests as well. A more developed Latin America and the Caribbean means more security for the United States.
Feierstein also recognized that organized crime and drug trafficking are one of the most critical problems in the region. These threats undermine all development goals; they drain away resources and weaken democratic institutions. USAID is increasing its assistance to Mexico and Central American and Caribbean countries to combat crime and provide youth citizens with better opportunities. The nominee also said that another priorities is to work with other countries as partners that could take on a greater role in assistance and as donors. Finally, Feierstein stated that he looks forwards to working in collaboration with other government agencies, but also with NGOs and the private sector.
Senator Menendez asked Feierstein about his vision for USAID, specifically considering all the criticisms the agency has received for its short term approach and neglect of the rule of law in their work. Menendez stressed that there is a need to work on long term efforts, and not look for instant satisfaction. Feierstein answered that he is guided by President Obama’s vision of working with regional countries as partners, and promoting a healthier relationship with the region. He pointed out that he will seek to work more directly with civil society to enhance local capacity. He believes that more resources should be invested on the ground, rather than in Washington, DC. Senator Barrasso asked Feierstein about Haiti. Feierstein explained that it should be remembered that there was progress made in Haiti before the earthquake, but still serious challenges existed. Nowadays, USAID is focusing on the short term, on moving IDPs back to their homes. On the political side, there is the challenge of holding the approaching elections. The longer term challenge is promoting development outside of Port au Prince. Finally, he considers that we have to keep working to strengthen the Haitian government by working with civil society too, because the State is extremely weak today.