Brazil, Spain question US Colombia bases

[Judi Lynn]

Brazil, Spain question US Colombia bases
July 31, 2009 - 7:39AM

Brazil, Chile and Spain challenged the United States' decision to use and expand military bases in Colombia, saying they feared the move could heighten simmering tensions in Latin America.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil and Michelle Bachelet of Chile said in Sao Paulo they would put the issue before an August 10 meeting of a nascent South American Defence Council in Ecuador.

Spain's foreign minister, Miguel Angel Moratinos, and his Brazilian counterpart, Celso Amorim, simultaneously told reporters in Brasilia that they would demand explanations from Washington over the bases.

The Colombian government's announcement July 15 that three of its military air bases were to be used by the United States as part of joint anti-drug operations has ignited concerns and anger among Colombia's neighbours.

More:
http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-world/brazil-spain-question-us-colombia-bases-20090731-e3dq.html

[Judi Lynn]

1. Spain, Brazil Seek Info on Possible U.S. Bases in Colombia

Spain, Brazil Seek Info on Possible U.S. Bases in Colombia


BRASILIA – The foreign ministers of Spain and Brazil on Thursday demanded information about Colombia’s plans to establish U.S. bases on its territory, a move that some feel raises the risk of a “militarization” of the region.

Spain’s Miguel Angel Moratinos and Brazilian counterpart Celso Amorim expressed their reservations about the effects the military program could have at a press conference within the framework of the Spanish official’s visit to Brazil.

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Moratinos said that it is necessary to avoid a “process of militarization in Latin America.”

He added that Spain had asked for information from the United States and Colombia regarding what he called a “new situation,” although he said that it was a “bilateral question.”

“What we have is to work so that there is no spiral of misunderstanding and try to get Venezuela and Colombia to return to having a relationship of respect. We have to rebuild confidence,” he said.

Moratinos said that during the meeting he held Wednesday with Chavez in Caracas, the Venezuelan leader expressed his “willingness to (engage in) dialogue.”

Amorim said that Brazil “has received some explanations from Colombia” about the bases, but he added that “the presence of troops from countries that do not belong to the region is always of concern” and “should be better explained.”

More:
http://www.laht.com/article.asp?ArticleId=340428&CategoryId=14090