international

Minister says no to base

Ministro de Gobierno Daniel Delgado Diamante said yesterday that Panama is willing to partner with the U.S. to stop the flow of illegal drugs in the region, but ruled out allowing a foreign military presence here.

In a meeting with local and international press representatives, Diamante said that it was not yet clear exactly how much money the United States is willing to contribute to Panama's drug fighting efforts, but said the amount is expected to be near $3.8 million.

He said he expects the U.S. government to be “more generous” with Panama, saying the money could be used to pay for surveillance aircraft and patrol boats.

Diamante will visit the U.S. next week to meet with top defense officials and discuss ways the two countries can cooperate on anti-drug trafficking efforts. That tour will include a visit to Fort Benning, Georgia.

In terms of a U.S. base being located in Panama, however, Diamante told Reuters News Service that it is not a possibility.

The U.S. is looking to establish a new base in the region to replace one that is being closed in Ecuador. Panama, Colombia and Peru have been mentioned as possible sites.

But establishing a U.S. base here would require changing the country's Constitution, as well as dealing with considerable political opposition.

The U.S. government handed over former American military bases to the Panamanian government in 1999.