Posted on 08/28/2009 4:40:44 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
BARILOCHE, Argentina (AFP) – South American presidents attacked plans for US bases in Colombia at a summit on Friday, and issued a statement warning "foreign military forces" against threatening national sovereignty.
The meeting, in the Argentine mountain resort of Bariloche, heard fears from Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez and his leftwing allies that the bases were part of a US strategy to act freely in Latin America, possibly against his oil-rich country.
The final summit declaration warned that "foreign military forces must not... menace the sovereignty and integrity of a South American country and in consequence regional peace and stability."
Its deliberately broad language, avoiding direct reference to the US military and Venezuela, permitted all 12 presidents present to sign the text, including Colombian President Alvaro Uribe.
But it did reflect strenuous demands from Brazil, Chile and Argentina that binding guarantees be made that the US military assets and personnel in Colombia not be used for any other purpose other than their stated mission of fighting drug-traffickers and Colombian rebels.
An attempt by Bolivian President Evo Morales to sign other presidents on to a statement rejecting the bases plan failed.
"As long as there are uniformed foreigners in a South American country, it's difficult for us to think there can be peace," Morales had told the summit.
Chavez was blunter.
The imminent deal to give the US military access to seven bases in neighboring Colombia was "about mobility to make war," said the fierce anti-US critic.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.yahoo.com ...
Hand out picture released by Chile's Government showing Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva(2ndL) with his Chilean counterpart Michelle Bachelet(C) as Chile's Foreign Minister Mariano Fernandez(L) looks on during the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) presidential summit in Bariloche, Argentina. South American leaders attacked Friday plans for US bases in Colombia. (AFP/HO)
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Left: Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez (R) takes a picture next to Paraguayan President Fernando Lugo during a family photo of the Unasur group summit in Bariloche August 28, 2009. Chavez is seeking to shore up opposition to a Colombian plan giving U.S. troops more access to its military bases under an accord that has sharply divided South American leaders meeting for the regional summit. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian (ARGENTINA POLITICS)
Right: Chile's President Michelle Bachelet (L) and Argentina's President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner talk during the family photo session of the Unasur group summit in Bariloche August 28, 2009. Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is seeking to shore up opposition to a Colombian plan giving U.S. troops more access to its military bases under an accord that has sharply divided South American leaders meeting for a regional summit. The agreement between Washington and its closest Latin American ally has heightened diplomatic tensions and will be the focus of the meeting of South American presidents that starts at this Patagonian lakeside resort on Friday. REUTERS/Enrique Marcarian (ARGENTINA POLITICS)
can’t wait for the hot tub shots.
No one seemed to be concerned aobut Chavez’ FARC forces who are making war on Colombia. No one too concerned that Chavists have seized control in Bolivia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and are pushing for control in Honduras and Peru and came within a hair’s breadth of taking control of Mexico.
Yes, I said “Chavez’ FARC forces”. Chavez is FARC. And with the death of Marulanda, Chavez is effectively FARC commander.
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