sponsored by the drug traffic. It had always roundly condemned such activities and had taken all necessary measures to neutralize them. In recent weeks, spokesmen for those irregular groups, which comprised a strange mixture of drug traffickers, right-wing ideologists and landlords who believed that the only way to combat the guerrilla menace was by violent means, had indicated their intention to suspend their activities in compliance with the Government's offer to reincorporate the armed groups into civilian life. 42. With the change of Government the week before, his country had entered a new phase. The new authorities had stated that, in general they would pursue the efforts of the previous Government with a view to restoring normality to the country with all speed. President Gaviria, upon taking office, had announced his intention of combating drug trafficking, bringing peace to the country, and convening a Constituent Assembly to bring about bold reforms of Colombian institutions. That threefold policy contained elements initiated by the preceding Government, as well as new features which were widely supported by the public. 43. In combating the narcotics trade and its noxious effects, the President had made a clear distinction between terrorism related to the traffic in drugs which caused so much suffering to the people and was essentially a domestic problem, and the universal problem of drug trafficking, which called for the active co-operation of the international community. Unless multilateral action was taken against drug trafficking, laundering the proceeds of crime, the sale of chemical substances, and the international distribution networks, there was no chance of winning the battle against a traffic that was undermining democratic society throughout the world. The new Head of State had warned the drug barons that their irregular armed groups would be dealt with with the utmost rigour; the entire force of the Colombian State would be 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the political situation and policies of a country, specifically Colombia, and its efforts to combat drug trafficking. It mentions the government's intentions to restore normality, combat drug trafficking, and bring peace to the country. The text also touches on the international aspects of drug trafficking and the need for multilateral action.

**Category**
Health, International trade