U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell says the United States must change its policy on Colombia to help it fight leftist rebels, as well as the illegal drug trade. 

Secretary Powell says the United States must examine alternatives to help save Colombia's democracy from terrorists and narcotics traffickers. Mr. Powell says U.S. officials are engaged in an intense debate over the current policy that limits aid to Colombia to counter-narcotics efforts. He says officials will present their conclusions to Congress. 

Some lawmakers have warned that aiding Colombia's fight against rebels could lead to involvement of U.S. forces in their 38-year civil war. Mr. Powell says there are no scenarios under consideration that would involve an active U.S. combat role. 

U.S. aid to Bogota currently totals more than one-billion dollars. Also Wednesday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a non-binding resolution that supports more flexibility on U.S. aid to Colombia. It reflects sympathy for Colombian President Andres Pastrana, who last month ended peace talks with his country's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. 

Since the announcement, the 17,000-strong guerrilla insurgency has intensified attacks on the country's infrastructure, including water sources, and power and telephone lines. 

Mr. Powell's comments come one day after Major General Gary Speer, the acting commander of the U.S. Southern Command, told a U.S. Senate panel the current level of U.S. support for Colombia is inadequate. 

General Speer said without more aid, Colombia's military will be unable to re-establish a safe and secure environment for the country's citizens. 

President Pastrana has requested the U.S. aid be used to fight the guerrillas known as the FARC. Colombian officials also blame the FARC for several killings and kidnappings following the collapse of the sporadic, three-year peace efforts. 

The Colombian conflict also involves a smaller leftist rebel group, the National Liberation Army, as well as right-wing paramilitaries. 

Some information for this report provided by AFP and AP.

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