Quito: Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has warned that "winds of war" were blowing across Latin America because of Colombia`s decision to allow the United States use of seven military bases.
Speaking in Quito at a regional summit, Chavez on Monday said he was fulfilling his "moral duty" by telling fellow leaders that the "winds of war were beginning to blow," because of the July accord between Bogota and Washington.
"This could generate a war in South America," he told the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) summit in the Ecuadorian capital.
The heightened rhetoric came a day after Chavez accused Colombia`s leader Alvaro Uribe and the Colombian military of "provocations" by entering Venezuelan territory. Colombia`s foreign ministry denied the charge.
Moderate Latin American countries, led by Brazil and Argentina, agreed in Quito to hold a summit, probably in Argentina later this month, to discuss the deal that has angered many in the region.
They said Uribe, America`s main ally in the region, would be invited to explain his case. The Colombian leader was not present at the UNASUR gathering because of ongoing tensions with Ecuador`s President Rafael Correa.
Bureau Report
