bobdina
07-22-2009, 01:30 PM
More U.S. troops in Colombia irks Chavez
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 21, 2009 16:21:46 EDT
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is objecting to Colombia’s decision to let the U.S. increase its military presence in the neighboring country.
Chavez said late Monday that Colombia’s plan to accommodate more U.S. troops at its air and naval bases “obliges us to review our relations” with the U.S.-allied neighbor.
“They’re opening the doors to those who constantly attack us,” Chavez said, according to the state-run Bolivarian News Agency.
A fifth round of U.S.-Colombia negotiations on an accord is set for next week.
Chavez has often accused the U.S. of plotting to overthrow or undermine him. His relations with Washington remain strained even though he and President Barack Obama’s administration recently restored their ambassadors, seeking more dialogue. Chavez expelled the U.S. envoy last year.
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said on Monday that his government is aiming to reach an agreement for what defense officials say would be the use of three airfields and two navy bases.
“The accord is to strengthen Colombian military bases, not to open U.S. bases,” Uribe said in a speech to congress, saying the agreement is necessary to reinforce security within Colombia.
Chavez called such talk evasive. “Of course they use euphemisms and say they aren’t Yankee bases, but rather Colombian bases and that they could come. They’re going to be there permanently.”
Most details of the anticipated U.S.-Colombian agreement have not been divulged.
More than $4 billion in U.S. aid since 2000 has helped Colombia fight leftist rebels, who rely in part on drug proceeds.
Colombian officials say a bases agreement will not increase the number of U.S. service personnel and civilian military contractors beyond the 1,400 mandated by the U.S. Congress.
There was no immediate reaction to Chavez’s announcement from the Colombian government.
The leftist leader has had diplomatic disputes with Uribe’s government in the past, but the two have repeatedly smoothed over their conflicts
The Associated Press
Posted : Tuesday Jul 21, 2009 16:21:46 EDT
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is objecting to Colombia’s decision to let the U.S. increase its military presence in the neighboring country.
Chavez said late Monday that Colombia’s plan to accommodate more U.S. troops at its air and naval bases “obliges us to review our relations” with the U.S.-allied neighbor.
“They’re opening the doors to those who constantly attack us,” Chavez said, according to the state-run Bolivarian News Agency.
A fifth round of U.S.-Colombia negotiations on an accord is set for next week.
Chavez has often accused the U.S. of plotting to overthrow or undermine him. His relations with Washington remain strained even though he and President Barack Obama’s administration recently restored their ambassadors, seeking more dialogue. Chavez expelled the U.S. envoy last year.
Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said on Monday that his government is aiming to reach an agreement for what defense officials say would be the use of three airfields and two navy bases.
“The accord is to strengthen Colombian military bases, not to open U.S. bases,” Uribe said in a speech to congress, saying the agreement is necessary to reinforce security within Colombia.
Chavez called such talk evasive. “Of course they use euphemisms and say they aren’t Yankee bases, but rather Colombian bases and that they could come. They’re going to be there permanently.”
Most details of the anticipated U.S.-Colombian agreement have not been divulged.
More than $4 billion in U.S. aid since 2000 has helped Colombia fight leftist rebels, who rely in part on drug proceeds.
Colombian officials say a bases agreement will not increase the number of U.S. service personnel and civilian military contractors beyond the 1,400 mandated by the U.S. Congress.
There was no immediate reaction to Chavez’s announcement from the Colombian government.
The leftist leader has had diplomatic disputes with Uribe’s government in the past, but the two have repeatedly smoothed over their conflicts