Clinton Says No U.S. Bases in Colombia

[G_j]

Source: NYT

Clinton Says No U.S. Bases in Colombia


By REUTERS

Published: August 19, 2009

A new American security pact with Colombia that has angered some South American nations is aimed at fighting drug trafficking and terrorism and will not create American bases in Colombia, Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said in Washington on Tuesday. The proposal to allow American forces to use up to seven Colombian military installations has fueled tensions, but Mrs. Clinton said there would be no “significant” permanent increase in the American military presence in Colombia.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/19/world/americas/19briefs-Colombrf.html?ref=world

[Judi Lynn]

1. Sec. Clinton defends deal to send US troops into Colombia

Sec. Clinton defends deal to send US troops into Colombia
By Agence France-Presse

Published: August 18, 2009
Updated 1 hour ago

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Tuesday defended an imminent agreement that will give the United States access to military bases in Colombia, amid regional concerns about US intentions.

Clinton and visiting Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez said the two countries expected to sign a defense cooperation agreement soon that will boost their longstanding military ties.

“I want to be clear about what this agreement does and does not. First: the agreement does not create US bases in Colombia, it does provide US access to Colombian bases,” Clinton said after a meeting with Bermudez.

The top US diplomat said the governments in Washington and Bogota hoped to sign the agreement “in the near future.”

The deal, finalized last week, is expected to give the US access to three Colombian air bases, two navy bases and two army bases.

More:
http://rawstory.com/08/news/2009/08/18/sec-clinton-defends-deal-to-send-us-troops-into-colombia/

[Judi Lynn]

2. Brazil, Spain question US Colombia bases

Brazil, Spain question US Colombia bases
July 31, 2009

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.

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

[G_j]

3. I really dislike the NYT headline

It does not convey that there is an actual policy change.
Clinton says decisions will made jointly. Now what do I think of, when I hear this in reference to the US and Latin America?

[Wilms]

4. .