Colombia-US military deal could be made next weekend

http://english.eluniversal.com/2009/08/12/en_pol_esp_colombia-us-military_12A2613563.shtml

Colombia-US military deal could be made next weekend

Western Hemisphere
An agreement which would enable the United States to use seven Colombian military bases could conclude next weekend if the commissions responsible for discussing it reach a consensus, said on Wednesday General Freddy Padilla, the commander of the Colombian Armed Forces.

The official said that the members of the Colombian team including technical experts from the ministries of Defense, Foreign Affairs, of the Interior and Justice, headed for Washington on Wednesday to meet with their counterparts.

"If God helps us, everything will be agreed upon this weekend and subsequently the administrative process both in the US and Colombian Governments will begin," the general said.

Padilla gave the news at the Palanquero base, in the central city of Puerto Salgar, one of the facilities which will be used by the United States under the agreement, DPA reported