MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Rumsfeld confirms closer US-Argentina military cooperation.

US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld currently visiting Argentina said that US-Argentina relations are based on “a long friendship which continues to strengthen” and “on common challenges faced by both countries”.

After a long hour and a half meeting with Defence Minister Jose Pampuro, both officials said that peace efforts in Haiti, regional affairs and a future increase in scientific-technological cooperation between both countries, were among the subjects addressed.

Mr. Pampuro described the meeting as "fruitful" and Mr. Rumsfeld praised Argentina's participation in the Haiti peace operation, and both were cautious as to options for future joint military exercises, "respecting each country's legal system".

A controversial issue since United States is demanding total immunity for its servicemen, which at one point President Nestor Kirchner was ready to accept but walked back under pressure from local human rights groups who are highly critical of US passiveness during Argentina's military dictatorship and of the current Iraq war.

"These joint exercises are essential training for multinational peace missions" and to this effect "we might have to reconsider the Congressional agenda".

Another point was the "radar national coverage system" the Kirchner administration wants to establish over the whole territory and which has an American company as one of the main potential suppliers.

Mr. Rumsfeld also announced an "important increase in technical cooperation", given Argentina's leadership in "scientific-technological development".

"We agreed it's essential for Argentina to avoid the erosion of highly qualified human resources by developing a closer technical cooperation", said Mr. Pampuro.

Although not mentioned to the press, political analysts in Buenos Aires believe that the current explosive Bolivian political situation and Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez role in the region, possibly financing radical groups were also in the bilateral agenda.

Mr. Rumsfeld flew in from Brazil and was scheduled to leave for Guatemala. In Brazil the Pentagon chief was received by President Lula da Silva, but not in Argentina since President Kirchner was "resting and working" in his Patagonia turf during Easter week.

Nevertheless Mr. Pampuro is considered the Kirchner administration member with best access to the current US government and this actually was his fourth meeting with Mr. Rumsfeld.

During his brief visit to Argentina Mr. Rumsfeld was accompanied by tight security measures including armored vehicles and air cover with helicopters.