Reply #1: South America to slam bases in Colombia

[Judi Lynn]

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.

More:
http://www.thepeninsulaqatar.com/Display_news.asp?section=World_News&subsection=Americas&month=August2009&file=World_News2009082623041.xml