Venezuela prepares for war 2
Venezuelan President Chavez's declarations that his country is preparing for war sparked plenty of responses over the past day.
First, and perhaps most important, Venezuela agreed to debate Colombia in the SADC or any other multilateral forum. This was in response to Colombia's announcement they will take Venezuela's threats of war to the OAS and the UN. Chavez called Colombia's statement "immoral and hypocritical," but his government gave in to dialogue. That's a piece of good news.
Bolivian President Morales called for an urgent meeting of the armed forces in ALBA countries to come up with agreement and doctrine to fight an anti-imperial war. Morales called Colombia's new security agreement with the US a "provocation." Morales also called on political factions opposed to Uribe to "democratically defeat" Uribe and those who agreed to the new security deal. Morales said he knew he was interfering in Colombia's internal politics with the call, but he would make it anyway.
Nicaraguan President Ortega similarly backed Chavez, saying Latin America must unite to kick out US bases.
Venezuela's statements may affect the vote in the Brazilian Senate this Wednesday to allow Venezuela into Mercosur. The vote appeared to be a done deal last week, but threats of war are making some politicians nervous. I wouldn't be surprised if they chose to wait a week or two for things to calm down.
Ecuadoran Defense Minister Ponce, who is the current head of the SADC, said UNASUR's invitation to President Obama to explain the basing agreement remains open.
Colombia's foreign minister said that their offer for dialogue with Venezuela remains open.
First, and perhaps most important, Venezuela agreed to debate Colombia in the SADC or any other multilateral forum. This was in response to Colombia's announcement they will take Venezuela's threats of war to the OAS and the UN. Chavez called Colombia's statement "immoral and hypocritical," but his government gave in to dialogue. That's a piece of good news.
Bolivian President Morales called for an urgent meeting of the armed forces in ALBA countries to come up with agreement and doctrine to fight an anti-imperial war. Morales called Colombia's new security agreement with the US a "provocation." Morales also called on political factions opposed to Uribe to "democratically defeat" Uribe and those who agreed to the new security deal. Morales said he knew he was interfering in Colombia's internal politics with the call, but he would make it anyway.
Nicaraguan President Ortega similarly backed Chavez, saying Latin America must unite to kick out US bases.
Venezuela's statements may affect the vote in the Brazilian Senate this Wednesday to allow Venezuela into Mercosur. The vote appeared to be a done deal last week, but threats of war are making some politicians nervous. I wouldn't be surprised if they chose to wait a week or two for things to calm down.
Ecuadoran Defense Minister Ponce, who is the current head of the SADC, said UNASUR's invitation to President Obama to explain the basing agreement remains open.
Colombia's foreign minister said that their offer for dialogue with Venezuela remains open.
Labels: Colombia, conflict, latinamerica, military, security, US-foreign-policy, Venezuela |
