Terrorists Operating in Ecuador (Al Qaida no less)***President Bush's request for $27 billion in emergency spending this year names Ecuador as one of 19 countries in urgent need of foreign military financing for the war on terrorism. The countries would share $372.5 million, which would be used "immediately to strengthen the forces of our friends and allies in the fight against terrorism, by providing vitally needed equipment and training," the request says.
Rep. Sonny Callahan, R-Ala., was concerned about Ecuador's decision to prohibit the United States from using the Manta air base to carry out the war on terrorism. The United States has used the base for two years to fight drug trafficking. Ecuador's foreign relations minister, Heinz Moeller, said in February that the government would not let the United States use the base for anti-terror activities.***
Bush encourages Chavez to respect democracy - 'learn' lessons*** The U.S. Southern Command said two dozen U.S. Army trainers who were supposed to have gone to Venezuela April 12 as the coup was unfolding were first put on hold, then told Sunday the trip was off for the time being. The two countries also have joint annual exercises in navy and coast guard maneuvers. The Pentagon is watching how the situation in Venezuela develops day to day, defense officials said. "We are postponing military-to-military activities there until the situation on the ground stabilizes," said Capt. Riccoh Player, a Pentagon spokesman for hemisphere issues.
More than 40 years of uninterrupted democratic rule almost came to an end April 12 when, in the aftermath of a popular uprising, the military took Chavez into custody. An attempt by businessman Pedro Carmona to form a replacement government collapsed, and Chavez was reinstated Sunday. ***