McCain Wraps Up Colombia Visit

From CBS News' John Bentley:

(CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA) John McCain spent the morning on the water off the northern coast of Colombia, riding along with the Colombian Navy as they briefed the senator about their country’s efforts to stop the flow of drugs out of Colombia’s ports. McCain and his wife, Cindy, rode on the "Midnight Express 39," a drug interdiction fast boat purchased from the U.S. with money provided by Plan Colombia, an American program that has sent over $7 billion in aid to Colombia to fight drug trafficking over the past decade.

“They have a long way to go to stem the flow of drugs into the United States of America,” McCain said. “But the progress that I’ve seen since previous visits is substantial and positive.”

McCain also visited a naval hospital here, awarding the Colombian version of a purple heart to government soldiers who were wounded fighting the FARC, an anti-government rebel group in the country. McCain has been very supportive of President Alvaro Uribe during his time here, condemning the FARC and encouraging the passage of the Colombian free Trade Agreement.

“I certainly think that the government and people of Colombia should be rewarded for their sacrifices and their efforts,” McCain said. “But I think most importantly it is good for the interests of the United States of America.”

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who is traveling with McCain here, had even harsher words for those in the House of Representatives who are holding up the approval of the free trade agreement. “It is irresponsible of the Congress not to come to [President Uribe’s] aid and support,” Graham said.

McCain leaves Colombia early this afternoon to travel to Mexico City.