CALI, Aug 8 — Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella took office yesterday, vowing to wage war on drug-running guerrillas and usher in a new era of close ties with the...

A new political era for Colombia: a hard-right president promises order, growth and confrontation.

Abelardo de la Espriella will be sworn in as Colombia’s president Friday in Cali, breaking tradition by not holding the ceremony in Bogota.