US, Colombia ink controversial military base deal

The US and Colombia have signed a controversial military pact that would allow Washington have access to seven bases in the Latin American nation, says Bogota.

The agreement, which has caused outrage among regional countries, was signed on Friday in Bogota by US Ambassador William Brownfield and Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez, Reuters reported.

Washington and Bogota claim that the defense deal is aimed at enhancing a joint war against narcoterrorism, and poses no threat whatsoever to the neighboring nations.

"The pact is based on the principles of total respect for sovereign equality, territorial integrity and not intervening in the internal affairs of other states," said a statement issued by Colombia's foreign ministry.

Latin American nations, especially the left-leaning Venezuela, are against the military presence of Washington in the region. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez earlier warned that the pact would unleash the "winds of war."