Venezuela’s Chavez objects to talks on increasing the US military presence in Colombia

Chavez objects to Colombia’s base deal with US

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is objecting to Colombia’s decision to let the United States increase its military presence in the neighboring country.

Chavez said Tuesday that Colombia’s plan to accommodate more U.S. troops at its air and naval bases is “a threat against us.”

“They are surrounding Venezuela with military bases,” he said in a televised speech. He said he ordered “an entire review of our relations with Colombia” as a result.

A fifth round of U.S.-Colombia negotiations on an accord are set for next week. Most details of the anticipated pact have not been divulged, but Colombian officials say the number of U.S. service personnel and civilian military contractors will not exceed the 1,400 mandated by the U.S. Congress.

Chavez has often accused the United States of plotting to overthrow or undermine him. His relations with Washington remain strained even though he and President Barack Obama’s administration recently restored their ambassadors, seeking more dialogue. Chavez expelled the U.S. envoy last year, and Washington responded in kind.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said Monday that his government is aiming to reach an agreement for what defense officials say would be the use of three airfields and two navy bases by U.S. forces.

“The accord is to strengthen Colombian military bases, not to open U.S. bases,” Uribe said in a speech, saying the agreement is necessary to reinforce security in Colombia.

More than $4 billion in U.S. aid since 2000 has helped Colombia fight leftist rebels, who rely in part on drug proceeds.

Chavez dismissed Colombian statements that the U.S. troops are intended to fight drug trafficking.

“God save us … from a war. God save us, but that doesn’t depend on us,” Chavez said, adding that his message to Obama as well as his opponents in Venezuela and Colombia is: “Don’t make a mistake with us because the shot will backfire.”

The leftist leader has had diplomatic disputes with Uribe’s U.S.-allied government in the past, but the two have repeatedly smoothed over their conflicts.

Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez said the bases would be used strictly for combating Colombia’s rebel groups and drug smugglers.

“Some third countries have expressed some concern regarding the agreement. We have always said that this agreement applies exclusively to Colombia,” Bermudez said. “We are going to end drug trafficking and terrorism. That way, we Colombians are going to be free, but we are also going to guarantee security for the entire region.”