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Colombia, U.S. sign deal on use of bases; October 30, 2009 3:57 p.m. EDT

(CNN) -- Colombia and the United States signed an agreement Friday that allows U.S. personnel to be stationed at seven military bases in the South American nation.

The United States says it needs the bases to help in its fight against terrorists and narcotraffickers, especially since the closure a few months ago of a U.S. base in Ecuador. The United States maintains similar "forward operating locations" in El Salvador and Aruba-Curacao.

Colombia's agreement to host the Americans has come under harsh criticism in Latin America, particularly from President Hugo Chavez in neighboring Venezuela.

Chavez has likened the agreement to an act of war and accuses the United States of wanting to stage military personnel nearby to destabilize his leftist government.

The U.S. forward operating location in Aruba-Curacao is off the northern coast of Venezuela.

The United States linked Colombia's agreement to a trade pact the South American nation wants. Colombia also stands to gain from U.S. help in the nation's 45-year-old war against Marxist guerrillas known as the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, commonly called FARC.

Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez, Defense Minister Gabriel Silva and Interior and Justice Minister Fabio Valencia Cossio were joined by U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield in signing the document Friday in Bogota, the nation's capital.

By nine inch nails on Oct 30, 2009, 13:30 in Friendly Talkzone.

nine inch nails says on Oct 30, 2009, 13:31:

This just in, reeeeally fresh!

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mcheasley says on Oct 30, 2009, 15:14:

About time.............. This will make it a little harder for the U.S. to say NO on the FTA

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whitewidow says on Oct 30, 2009, 17:24:

the storm troopers have been set in motion.

mcheasley - you have not a clue.

colombia just bent over for the fucking of a lifetime. pardon my german...

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 30, 2009, 17:27:

at 7 am they signed.

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whitewidow says on Oct 30, 2009, 17:33:

god help colombia

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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Desi1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Oct 30, 2009, 18:11:

The prophetic words of Pofirio Diaz come to mind:
"Poor Mexico, so far from God and so close to the United States"

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

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Simon says on Oct 30, 2009, 18:17:

Woooo hooooo!!! The terrorist-sympathizers are livid because their romantic freedom fighter's days are numbered! I love it!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 30, 2009, 18:21:

Simon
I will later on open some bottles for the bases with some friends, and tomorrow 1 week Coveñas

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Desi1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Oct 30, 2009, 18:31:

How do you dare, Simon?
So, you think Colombia agreeing on having foreign military presence on national territory with bases, personnel and operatives is a good thing?
How about if it was the UN or The EU (both international, non-gringo political entities)?

Simon Simon Simon....you are showing your true colors. You're NO COLOMBIAN and have NOT Colombia's best interest in mind. Accept it, you're a GRINGO.

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

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theflatline says on Oct 30, 2009, 18:34:

White people calling people gringos. The world has ended.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 30, 2009, 18:35:

desi
because the colombians know tyhat the cooperation is the best alternative for Colombia. What is doing Europe to help Colombia with the international problem of druguse?

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Desi1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Oct 30, 2009, 18:35:

According to facebook I'm only 25% white:)))

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

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lampltr says on Oct 30, 2009, 18:37:

Willing to bet quite a few hit & runs with some of these organizations as was seen in the P.I., and the current engagements around the globe today. May be many servicemen in the wrong place and the wrong time if off post.

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theflatline says on Oct 30, 2009, 18:42:

Desi,

If you are only 25% white then I am this guy.

I dedicated my below song so we can all get along. Because it really is about the children.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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Simon says on Oct 30, 2009, 19:00:

Desi,

I don't care who sends help to Colombia, but I'm grateful that the US is actually helping. What the hell are the Europeans or our beloved neighbors doing to help?

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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whitewidow says on Oct 30, 2009, 19:12:

is that what you call it, simon? help? help with what exactly?

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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Simon says on Oct 30, 2009, 19:32:

Help in combatting the bad guys! Now if you want specifics, you'll have to ask the GI Joes for that.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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whitewidow says on Oct 30, 2009, 19:45:

not to be a smart ass, but you should pick up a few books and see how well the usa helps themselves by helping others. you would be shocked........ and should be concerned for your homeland.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 30, 2009, 20:52:

ww
why should not europe pay a salary to the guerilleros or para's get a new job? A fair answer, when they do not get involved in fighting. Building infrastructure. Only 20 % of the value they spend on illegal drugs from Colombia. You know where Colombia will stand in 10 years!!!

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whitewidow says on Oct 30, 2009, 21:43:

sorry mark, you lost me

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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apeters says on Oct 30, 2009, 22:33:

how do Colombians feel about the US presence??

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Simon says on Oct 30, 2009, 23:11:

According to recent polls, most Colombians support it!

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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sloopskipper says on Oct 30, 2009, 23:46:

Simon says on Oct 30, 2009, 23:11 (today): flag

"According to recent polls, most Colombians support it!"

Citation?

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 30, 2009, 23:53:

The US has already had a military presence in Colombia for years. What's new?

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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Simon says on Oct 31, 2009, 00:16:

I heard it on the news.

"Just an honest, decent Colombian trying to do the right thing."--Simon

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whitewidow says on Oct 31, 2009, 05:51:

nevermind sheeple. there will always be people that just don't get it and allow their lands to be raped with open arms.

* just like most americans, most colombians are ignorant as well. by all means, continue cheerleading......

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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Monpirri says on Oct 31, 2009, 06:23:

This is a good news!!!

"Anyone who still thinks that Colombia is not a gastronomical paradise needs to have their head examined." Darloup

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flynn flanagan says on Nov 1, 2009, 09:32:

Can someone tell me, isn't Sweden the only country that recognizes the FARC?

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