Committee News

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

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Ros-Lehtinen to Meet with DEA to Examine Extremist Threats in Latin America

(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, is meeting tomorrow (Wednesday, July 28) with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials to discuss the nexus between global extremist organizations and drug trafficking organizations in Latin America. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:

“U.S. national security, that of our allies, and peace and stability in the Western Hemisphere are all threatened by the growing ties between Islamist extremist organizations and outlaw groups in Latin America – especially narcotraffickers.

“Reports indicate that Hamas and Hezbollah are expanding their presence in numerous areas in the Western Hemisphere. They are infecting new areas with their violent ideology while also raising funds for their global extremist agenda through lucrative partnerships with regional narcotraffickers.

“It makes perfect sense that Hamas and Hezbollah would view Latin America as fertile grounds for expanding their influence and pursuing their agenda. After all, these extremist groups have seen how their chief state-sponsor, Iran, has been welcomed with open arms by the likes of Hugo Chavez, Daniel Ortega, and Evo Morales.

“It is important that Members of Congress are kept up-to-speed about the threats we are facing from extremist groups like Hamas and Hezbollah expanding their operations in Latin America.

“I commend the men and women of our law enforcement agencies, including the DEA, who do so much to counter these threats and keep the American people safe.”

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