Washington, August 19: While a deal giving the US access to Colombian military bases provokes criticism form Latin American states, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton defends the controversial deal.
Regional countries have voiced concern over US intentions, warning Washington plans to use the bases to surround its foes in South America.
Clinton, visiting Colombia, met his Colombian counterpart Jaime Bermudez and said that her country seeks a defense cooperation pact with Bogota to cement their 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.
Clinton underlined that no third party would be affected by the bilateral deal and the move was aimed at confronting drug traffickers and rebels inside Colombia.
“This agreement does not pertain to other countries. This is about the bilateral cooperation between the United States and Colombia regarding security matters within Colombia,” she added.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says the plan is an attempt by the US to encircle his country and will lead to military escalation in the region.
“… We must prepare for it… We are the first target of the (United States). Using Colombia and the bases in Aruba and Curacao, they are surrounding us,” Chavez warned on Sunday.
—–Agencies