November 10th, 2009

COCHABAMBA, November 9.— Bolivian President Evo Morales affirmed that the installation of U.S. military bases in Colombia is an open provocation to Latin America and, particularly, to those countries that are starting to bring dignity to their peoples and governments.

According to PL, Evo told the press that U.S. bases in Colombia are a threat to revolutionary social movements in the region and the governments of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA), and against Colombia itself, given the total impunity and immunity enjoyed by U.S. soldiers who are not charged according to the laws of the country if they commit a crime against that nation.

For Morales, the empire is looking to establish worldwide hegemony and crush revolutionary countries that are fighting for their liberation, independence and development. He refuted the claim that said bases have the essential mission of combating drug-trafficking, as the governments of the two signatory countries have tried to justify.

In the face of this danger, he called on all social sectors who believe in dignity and sovereignty for Colombia and Latin America to organize and fight against the presence of these bases in the region.

Translated by Granma International