Secretary Clinton defends controversial US-Colombia military deal

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is defending US plans to sign a controversial military agreement with Colombia.  The plan would allow the US to use seven military bases in the south American country.   After  meeting with Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez Tuesday, Clinton spoke to members of the press.

“This agreement ensures that appropriate protections are in place for our service members. It will allow us to continue working together to meet the challenges posed by narco-traffickers, terrorists and other armed groups in Colombia.  These threats are real and the US is committed to support the government of Colombia.”

Under the agreement, US military planes would use Colombian air force bases to go on anti-drug trafficking reconnaissance flights.  US ships could dock at bases owned by the Colombian navy and US military personnel would also be allowed to use the bases to conduct intelligence operations.

The agreement has been criticized by opposition groups in Colombia, who oppose a clause that says US soldiers who stay at those bases will be immune from any prosecution by Colombian authorities. Some South American countries have also expressed their concern over US military presence in Colombia, with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez saying the bases could be used to launch attacks against his country.  Clinton responded to these criticisms.

“I want to be clear on what the agreement does and does not do.  First the agreement does not create US bases in Colombia. It does provide the United States access to Colombian bases, but command and control, administration and security will be Colombia´s responsibility.  And any US activity will have to be mutually agreed upon in advance. The United States does not have and does not seek bases inside Colombia.”

The US military currently uses a base in Manta, Ecuador to conduct anti-drug trafficking operations.  But the lease runs out in November and it was not renewed by the Ecuadorean government.  South American presidents will meet in Argentina later this month to discuss the latest US –Colombia military deal.