Peru Refuses US Military
Hot Potato
The US plans to install
a military base in Peru
concern experts and
lawmakers due to the
threat to national
sovereignty.
Anti-drug expert Ricardo
Soberon exposed plans by
the US Southern Command
to move its base in
Manta, Ecuador, to
Iquitos, Amazonian Peru,
after Ecuador demanded
its closure.
The base's front is to
work as an anti-drug
coordination center, but
its true goal is the
eventual potential to
deploy forces to places
like Colombia and
Ecuador.
Experts say it is a top
US strategic goal to
have regional military
hegemony with direct or
indirect intervention in
the Amazon.
Jose Robles, military
specialist from the
Legal Defense Institute,
lashed at any form of
foreign military
presence, especially
with an anti-drug center
as front.
He added that neither
the people nor
parliament will accept a
US military base and
urged for explanation on
irregular US flights
over Peru.
He also agreed with ex
Defense Minister and
Legislator David
Waissman to urge Defense
Minister Antero Flores
for a report.
Soberon's complaint
precedes Monday's
arrival in Peru of
Southern Command Chief,
Admiral James Stavridis. |
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