MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Ecuador sign defence accord

Argentine minister Nilda Garré

Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia and Ecuador signed Monday in Asuncion an agreement for cooperation in security matters which not only involves “associating” for the procurement of equipment, but defence of sovereignty and territorial integrity and preannouncement of military exercises.

Nilda Garré from Argentina; Luis Barreiro Spaini from Paraguay; Walker San Miguel from Bolivia and Javier Ponce from Ecuador signed the agreement indicating the four countries have a common vision and similar commitment in the strengthening of the region and promoting integration.

The “procurement association” is geared for the purchase of common equipments to contribute with peace keeping operations under the framework of United Nations.

“We support the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries as adopted on a basic consensus by the Union of South American Nations, UNASUR”, said Argentine minister Nilda Garré adding that “we agreed to close communication and bilateral dialogue whenever a member country organizes any kind of military exercise or actions close to its borders”.

A special chapter refers to the South American Defence Council which is considered as a “strong contributor to the sub regional integration”. The creation of a Strategic Studies Centre is also considered in the proposal.

Another point deals with Argentina’s sovereignty claim over the Falklands/Malvinas islands and the demand that UK abides United Nations resolutions calling for the resumption of negotiations with London on the issue.

Similarly Ecuador proposed a clause indicating as “relevant” that former Argentine president Nestor Kirchner be named as Unasur secretary general.