Colombian Finance Minister German Avila said on Friday that "paralyzing" the economy to comply with the country's fiscal rule is not an option and that the government will take steps, including increased borrowing, if needed to ensure growth. His remarks follow news that Colombia may temporarily suspend compliance with the fiscal rule governing government finances. "Paralyzing the state and the economy to comply with the fiscal rule is not the way forward," Avila told a banking conference in Cartagena.