The Wall Street Journal
Brazil's Lula Proposes Meeting With Obama On Colombian Bases
Aug 10--Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva suggested a meeting with the members of the Union of South American Nations, or Unasur, and U.S. President Barack Obama to discuss a proposed increase in U.S. military presence in Colombia, a move that has made some South American leaders uneasy.
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Lula and other dignitaries were in Quito for Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa's swearing-in for a second term and also for Ecuador's take over of the rotating presidency of the group for a year. Lula made his comments at Correa's swearing-in ceremony, broadcast on national television.
Other regional leaders, such as Argentine President Cristina Fernandez, spoke about Lula's proposal. Fernandez said she believes the U.S. proposal is "a belligerent, unprecedented and unacceptable situation."
Fernandez asked that Colombian President Alvaro Uribe also be present in the proposed meeting. Uribe was noticeably absent from the Unasur presidency ceremony Monday.
The meeting between Unasur leaders would be held in Argentina, though the date has yet to be determined.
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