Latin American Herald Tribune
Colombian Challenges Uribe on U.S. Basing Accord
Aug 14--A heckler interrupted Colombian President Alvaro Uribe’s speech opening the Bogota book fair, urging him to reconsider plans to give U.S. troops access to Colombian military bases., 106243
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The heckler urged Uribe to promote unity in the region, referring to the displeasure of several Latin American governments with the proposal to allow the United States use of up to seven bases in Colombia to combat drug trafficking and terrorism.
Uribe told police seeking to remove the heckler to give him a chance to speak.
After the man had spoken, Uribe defended the plan by telling the audience “you’re in a country that is concerned with the security of its citizens ... it is security that guarantees liberty.”
Among those in attendance for Uribe’s speech was Mexican President Felipe Calderon, whose country is guest of honor at this year’s fair. Calderon traveled to Colombia to discuss strategies for battling drug trafficking and terrorism with Uribe.
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