Uruguay supports Unasur to evaluate Colombian bases (U.S. bases)

Source: Xinhua

Uruguay supports Unasur to evaluate Colombian bases
2009-08-26 10:12:07

MONTEVIDEO, Aug. 25 (Xinhua) -- Uruguayan President Tabare Vazquez said on Tuesday he supports the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) to evaluate the United States' military presence in Colombia.

"An evaluation by the Defense Commission (under Unasur) of the use of Colombian military bases by the U.S. would be interesting, "Vazquez told reporters.

Under a pending Colombia-U.S. military agreement, Washington could gain access to at least seven Colombian military bases by the year 2019, and in return, Washington would offer Bogota some 5billion U.S. dollars in aid.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe in early August made a whirlwind seven-nation tour to head off regional objections of thepending deal, but did not succeed with Uruguay.

In a press release issued by Vazquez's office on Aug. 6, the Uruguayan president reaffirmed the long-term stance his country has held against "the establishment of foreign military bases not only in Paraguay but also in any part of Latin America."


Read more: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-08/26/content_11945344.htm

South America to slam bases in Colombia
Web posted at: 8/26/2009 2:30:41
Source ::: AFP

SAO PAULO: South American presidents are expected to slam a US plan to use military bases in Colombia when they gather for a summit in Argentina at the end of the week specifically to discuss the issue.

The anti-US leaders of Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia have already vociferously criticised the announcement that Washington wanted to expand its military presence in Colombia to access seven bases.

The more moderate presidents heading up Brazil, Chile and Argentina have likewise expressed concern at the decision, first announced last month by Bogota.

The Union of South American Nations (Unasur) summit in the Argentine ski resort of Bariloche on Friday is to examine claims by Venezuela President Hugo Chavez that the increased US deployment could be used to invade his country. Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is to attend, after having snubbed the previous Unasur meeting in Ecuador early this month because of regional friction over the deal.

Ahead of that last meeting, Uribe embarked on a tour of South America to speak to leaders one-on-one about the bases deal, but failed to win any support except from Peruvian President Alan Garcia.

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