Brazil president urges Obama to explain Colombian bases plan to South Americans

Brazil president urges Obama to explain Colombian bases plan to South Americans
By Associated Press

3:42 p.m. EDT, August 21, 2009

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil's leader is urging President Barack Obama to meet with South American nations and discuss the growing U.S. military presence in Colombia.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva told Obama in a phone call that many nations are worried about the plan to give the U.S. greater access to seven military bases in Colombia.

Brazil's Foreign Minister Celso Amorim gave details about the conversation to the O Globo newspaper Friday.

The U.S. says the plan is part of its agreement with Colombia to battle drug traffickers and leftist rebels.

http://www.courant.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-lt-brazil-obama-colombia,0,4209754.story