41.   Mexican drug gangs have generally avoided the bombings, murders and other terrorism with which the Medellin cartel, in particular, sought to intimidate the Colombian government.

42.   Most of the U.S. assistance is earmarked to help the Colombian government battle Marxist guerrillas who earn millions of dollars annually in the narcotics trade.

43.   Now, the Colombian government has targeted Guayabal and the rest of El Pato for an experiment in land reform and aid.

44.   Officially, peace talks between the Colombian government and the largest rebel group are stalled, with no date set for them to resume.

45.   President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela has said he will meet with Colombian guerrillas without approval from the Colombian government.

46.   Robert Gelbard, a leading anti-drug official in the State Department in Washington, this week accused the Colombian government of lying over the matter.

47.   Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said the Colombian government is on the right track.

48.   State Department officials say Colombian government pressure on the cartel has eased in recent months.

49.   So why are international banks and investors tripping over themselves to lend money and buy Colombian government bonds?

50.   Still, the Colombian government appeared to be in crisis mode.