US to build anti-drug coordination center in Peru

[Say_What]

more military buildup in Latin America?

<clips>

LIMA, Nov. 30 (Xinhuanet) -- The United States plans to build an anti-drug coordination center next month in the Peruvian Amazon ina bid to crack down on illegal plant growing and drug smuggling in the area, Peru's official Andina news agency reported on Sunday.

The central base will serve as "the axis" for regional operations, supporting air, naval and river forces in the fight against drug traffickers, and details are under final negotiationsby the two countries, the agency said, citing a spokesman of the US Embassy in Lima.

Analysts said the move will renew US surveillance flight over the Peruvian Amazon, following a 33-month suspension of such flights.

Washington suspended its support for such flights in April 2001after a Peruvian military plane accidentally shot down a small plane carrying US missionaries, who had been mistaken for drug traffickers.


http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2003-12/01/content_1207358.htm

[OhioArtist]

1. Hmmmm...

I wonder who's gonna get the contract to build it?
:think:

[lostnfound]

2. Nestled between Colombia (aka next Vietnam) & Bolivia (aka next Chile)

Is that the Peru they are talking about?

What a convenient location from which to base attempted coups, hostile border incursions, arm rebel insurgencies in Bolivia, launch "advisors" into Colombia..the possibilities are endless.

[lostnfound]

3. kick