(16 Feb 1996) Spanish/Nat

Colombian President Ernesto Samper- facing four corruption charges which could lead to his impeachment - has said the case against him would determine once and for all whether he won office with (m) millions of narco-dollars.

Samper spoke at a ceremony marking the opening of a new U-S embassy complex on the southern outskirts of Bogota.

The besieged president was charged Wednesday with crimes- including illicit enrichment, electoral fraud and cover-up.

Despite tension with the United States over the war against drugs, Colombian ministers and top military officers mingled with U-S officials Thursday at the inauguration of the new US embassy complex.

The embassy- in the outskirts of the capital - is more secure and spacious and has better telecommunications than its predecessor.

The United States government spent 73 (m) million dollars in the new complex.

At an outdoor ceremony, US Ambassador to Colombia Myles Frechette, said the construction of the new embassy is a sign that both countries are still in good terms.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"Despite budget cuts, the United States Government spent 73 (m) million dollars in the construction of this complex, a symbol of the strength and durability of our bilateral relations."
SUPER CAPTION: Myles Frechette, US Ambassador to Colombia

Using the US embassy as stage, President Samper vowed to confront charges that he stepped to power with (m) millions of dollars from the Cali cartel.

He said the case against him will determine once and for all whether Colombia is really what critics call a "narco-democracy."

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"It (the crisis) cannot be reduced to - as the media pretends to show- a fruitless fight between the president, Congress and the prosecution. What we are going to determine is whether Colombia is, as many people think, a narco-democracy or whether it is, as most Colombians think, a country that has resisted in all fronts the buffets of drug trafficking."
SUPER CAPTION: Ernesto Samper, President of Colombia

In the latest blow against the besieged president, prosecutor Alfonso Valdivieso asked a congressional commission Wednesday to charge Samper with illicit enrichment, electoral fraud and falsifying documents.

The Congressional committee will have at least two months to decide whether the evidence merits a formal accusation against the president.

If the case is passed on to the Senate, Samper must step down temporarily while the upper house judges the allegations.

At the ceremony Thursday, Samper urged that Congress open the debate about his conduct to prevent gossip and leaks of evidence.

SOUNDBITE: (Spanish)
"Let's solve this crisis quickly, but without sacrificing the rule of law and without hurting the fundamental principles of our democratic condition, such as the rightful (judicial) process. As I've been doing throughout these months, I will face my country and the international community gathered here, to show the strength of a truth that will exonerate me."
SUPER CAPTION: Ernesto Samper, President of Colombia

US officials have said little about the scandal, which is likely to influence their decision by March 1st on whether to certify Colombia as a steadfast ally in the drug fight.

If not Colombia could suffer economic penalties imposed by its biggest trading partner.

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