Uruguay supports Unasur to evaluate Colombian bases

[Judi Lynn]

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."

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