This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/americas/8208683.stm

The article has changed 8 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 5 Version 6
US-Colombia deal 'not a threat' US-Colombia deal 'not a threat'
(about 2 hours later)
US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has sought to calm fears in Latin America about a planned new military agreement with Colombia.US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has sought to calm fears in Latin America about a planned new military agreement with Colombia.
Some countries in the region have expressed alarm over the US plans to use Colombian bases to combat drug traffickers and rebels.Some countries in the region have expressed alarm over the US plans to use Colombian bases to combat drug traffickers and rebels.
But Mrs Clinton said the accord would respect Colombian sovereignty and other countries would not be affected.But Mrs Clinton said the accord would respect Colombian sovereignty and other countries would not be affected.
It would not lead to a significant increase in US troop numbers, she said.It would not lead to a significant increase in US troop numbers, she said.
Speaking after talks in Washington with Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez, Mrs Clinton said the agreement would not lead to the creation of US bases in Colombia.Speaking after talks in Washington with Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez, Mrs Clinton said the agreement would not lead to the creation of 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," she said."It does provide the United States access to Colombian bases but command and control, administration and security will be Colombia's responsibility," she said.
"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.""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."
She also said there would be "no significant permanent increase in the US military and contractor presence in Colombia" and that other countries would not be affected.She also said there would be "no significant permanent increase in the US military and contractor presence in Colombia" and that other countries would not be affected.
"This is about the bilateral co-operation between the United States and Colombia regarding security matters within Colombia," she said."This is about the bilateral co-operation between the United States and Colombia regarding security matters within Colombia," she said.
Regional benefitRegional benefit
Under the deal, the US military will be able to operate on Colombian soil to tackle drug-trafficking and terrorism.Under the deal, the US military will be able to operate on Colombian soil to tackle drug-trafficking and terrorism.
Mrs Clinton said the threats were very real and that the US was "committed to supporting the government of Colombia in its efforts to provide security to all its citizens".Mrs Clinton said the threats were very real and that the US was "committed to supporting the government of Colombia in its efforts to provide security to all its citizens".
Mr Bermudez said developing "more effective mechanisms of co-operation" would benefit both Colombia and the region.Mr Bermudez said developing "more effective mechanisms of co-operation" would benefit both Colombia and the region.
"We have suffered, and we have learned from the lessons as a result of this suffering," he said."We have suffered, and we have learned from the lessons as a result of this suffering," he said.
A number of countries in the region have condemned the plan and Argentina has called the agreement "not helpful".A number of countries in the region have condemned the plan and Argentina has called the agreement "not helpful".
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has expressed fears the move would amount to preparation for an invasion of his country by US forces.Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has expressed fears the move would amount to preparation for an invasion of his country by US forces.

Are you in the US, Colombia or one of its neighbouring countries? What is your reaction to Mrs Clinton's comments? Do you think they will calm fears over the planned deal between US and Colombia, or encourage further opposition? Send us your comments using the form below.
The BBC may edit your comments and not all emails will be published. Your comments may be published on any BBC media worldwide. Terms & Conditions