There is an obvious loophole here, that of “no US bases but US personnel on Colombian bases”, but all the same this is a very interesting report and seems to be some sort of U-turn by Uribe. Here’s the first part of the BBC report, click through for the rest. Thank you reader JR for the headsup.
Colombian has sought to reassure other South American countries about its plans to continue military co-operation with the United States.
Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez said that contrary to some reports there would be no US bases in the country.
Mr Bermudez told the BBC that Colombia appreciated US help but there was no need for more US military personnel.
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“Those who fight best in Colombia are our own soldiers. We don’t need American soldiers to do this.”