Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will make a statement on ongoing tensions between Colombia and Venezuela. [47182/09]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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On 30 October 2009, a bilateral agreement, entitled A Supplemental Agreement for Co-operation and Technical Assistance and Security, was signed by Colombia and the United States. Articles Three and Four of this Agreement provide for continued U.S. access to specific Colombian facilities in order to undertake mutually agreed activities within Colombia and for the location of up to 800 U.S. military personnel and up to 600 U.S. civilian contractors at seven military bases in Colombia.

A number of countries, including Venezuela, have indicated their objection to this Agreement. I understand that it was considered in the Union of South American Nations Defence Council on 10 August 2009 and again at the Union of South American Nations Defence and Foreign Ministers meeting on 28 November 2009. Recent incidents on the Colombia-Venezuela border are indeed a matter of concern. On 19 November, the EU issued a statement which called on both parties to abide by international law and existing mutual agreements; to refrain from any actions or statements that may further deteriorate the situation, and to take steps to seek solutions by dialogue and possible confidence building measures, including through the support of regional bodies. The EU will continue to monitor the situation carefully.