FRONT PAGE: Colombia seeks to update image

Alex Black 08-May-08

The Colombian government is to hunt for UK PR support in a bid to promote a 'modern' image of the South American country.

Andelfo Garcia, Colombia's deputy head of mission in the UK, told PRWeek his government was on the lookout for support to boost its image among parliamentarians and journalists.

‘The stereotype of Colombia is not right,' he said. ‘We are a growing country with a good story to tell. We need someone to help us reach out to the UK media, its politicians and its businesses.'

Colombia attracts lurid headlines for its cocaine production and the government's ongoing battle against the rebel forces of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia - renowned for multiple kidnappings of foreigners and wealthy Colombians.

The country hit headlines last week after police gunned down two of its most powerful drug lords: twin brothers Miguel Angel and Victor Manuel Mejia.

Last month the Colom­bian government fired Burson-Marsteller from a brief to help it win a trade deal with the US owing to B-M boss Mark Penn's work with Hillary Clinton, who is fiercely opposed to a deal.

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