Clark advocates doubling money spent on AIDS.(South Florida Sun-Sentinel)

Byline: Buddy Nevins

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. _ Warning that AIDS is ravaging countries in the developing world and creating a breeding ground for terrorism, retired Gen. Wesley Clark told a group of South Florida HIV activists Monday that the United States should double the amount it spends to fight deadly disease to $30 billion.

In a speech billed by his presidential campaign organization as a major foreign policy initiative on Worlds AIDS Day, Clark called the battle against the disease ``not just a moral issue. It's a national security issue.

``We must make sure the scourge doesn't reverse gains in the developing world and turn developing states into terrorist breeding grounds,'' Clark said. ``If we don't fight AIDS with medicine and preventive measures, one day, we might have to fight AIDS-induced disorder with the force of arms ...

``By destroying governments and hollowing out societies, this pandemic provides the perfect conditions for terrorist movements that thrive in areas of chaos and misery,'' Clark said.

By taking a larger role in battling AIDS, Clark said the world will see that ``America is not just its greatest military force, but also its greatest force for good.''

The speech was part of his third swing through South Florida since entering the Democratic race for the presidency in September. Unlike previous chaotic appearances in crowded delicatessens, this speech was carefully choreographed by a campaign that is becoming more professional.