The President's remarks are misleading. Although the U.S. is not "creating" new bases, it is nonetheless leasing seven already existing Colombian military bases to be occupied by U.S. military personnel, and increasing the presence of U.S. soldiers and military contractors in Colombia to up to 800 troops (almost three times the number allowed until now). So, yes, in fact, the U.S. will be operating seven new military bases in Colombia. This is such a true statement that the Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is at this time touring Latin America to reassure neighboring country's "fears" over the new bases (BBC). Obama was referring to Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa when he said, "Those in the region who have been trying to play this up as part of a traditional anti-Yankee rhetoric." Uribe is not visiting these countries, which have expressed the greatest fear in the region over an increased U.S. presence. Read more here. Semana International delivers news about Colombia in English. Find more in our home.