US, Colombia Sign Military
Cooperation Accord
The
United States and Colombia have signed a military deal that grants access to
seven Colombian bases by US military forces.
Both the US and Colombia have previously indicated their intention to use the
bases to combat drug trafficking and rebels.
Concern
The prospect of the deal had caused alarm among some of Colombia's neighbours,
namely Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador and Venezuela, who object to an increased US
military presence.
A Colombian foreign ministry statement said the agreement was, "based on the
principles of total respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity and
not intervening in the internal affairs of other states."
The Colombian Defence Minister, Gabriel Silva, had also insisted that the
agreement did not constitute a major new development but simply a continuation
of US-Colombian co-operation.
He said it was supported by the majority of Colombians who, he said, wanted more
security.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's claims that the accord could destabilise the
region have been dismissed by the US and Colombia.
They say there will be a cap on how many American military personnel and
contractors will be allowed in the country.
BBC/Yinka
