New Era in Colombia: De La Espriella Takes Office as US Pledges $1 Billion in Security Aid

Colombia's new President Abelardo De La Espriella has vowed to strengthen the fight against drug trafficking and armed groups as he took office. The US administration has announced plans to provide Colombia with $1 billion in security aid.A new era has begun in Colombia. De La Espriella took office in a ceremony at the Pichincha Taburu military base in Cali. The 48-year-old won the second round of elections in June and has promised to reduce the size of the state by up to 40% and revive the oil and gas sector.In his 75-minute speech at the inauguration ceremony, De La Espriella pledged to bring about a 'profound transformation' in the country's destiny. The new president has made the fight against drug trafficking and armed groups a priority. De La Espriella stated that the option of peace talks with armed groups has 'completely expired' and vowed to 'completely eradicate' illegal crops.De La Espriella also proposed the use of aerial herbicides to destroy coca plants used in cocaine production, which he claimed would not harm human health or the environment. The new president announced that Colombia would join the Shield of the Americas program established by US President Donald Trump.The US Department of State announced on Friday that the $1 billion security aid package is a key element of the renewed partnership between Washington and Bogota. The aid package will be implemented in conjunction with Congress and will support the De La Espriella administration's efforts to achieve common goals.De La Espriella received the support of US President Trump before the election. De La Espriella has blamed former President Gustavo Petro for the expansion of armed groups, while Petro has refused to recognize De La Espriella's election victory.