Colombia’s cross-border attack into Ecuador

Japan Press Weekly

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Colombia’s cross-border attack into Ecuador

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

A week after Colombia’s cross-border attack into Ecuador, the tension that increased in the area subsided thanks to regional efforts to settle the matter diplomatically.

On March 6, the Organization of American States (OAS), at Ecuador’s request, held a Permanent Council special session and adopted a unanimous resolution stating that Colombia’s attack on March 1 was in violation of Ecuador’s sovereignty and international law. Colombia apologized for its inappropriate act.

On March 7, the Rio Group (GRIO), which consists of 21 Latin American countries, also held a summit in the Dominican Republic and adopted a similar declaration.

The declaration confirmed that Colombia raided Ecuadorian territory in violation of its sovereignty and accepted Colombia’s apology and its pledge to not repeat such an incident. The declaration also agreed on a framework for a peaceful settlement of the dispute. Stressing that no state has the right to intervene militarily in other nations, it expressed its commitment to the peaceful coexistence of the region’s countries based on the U.N. Charter, tried to overcome the threat from armed groups, and called for continuous assistance by the OAS and the Rio Group.

The fact that the Rio Group played an active role in settling the issue this time shows the importance of regional efforts to peacefully resolve disputes.

U.S. isolation stands out

The United States keeps a group of military advisors in Colombia. U.S. President George Bush on March 4 expressed his full support for Colombia. He criticized the Venezuelan government led by President Hugo Chavez and showed U.S. hostility towards Latin American nations that are strengthening their independence from the United States. Thus, Bush added fuel to the tension in the region.

However, the United States was unable to suppress the criticism of Colombia in the OAS meeting, which used to be under its strong U.S. influence. The Andean Parliament, consisting of the nations of the Andean Community, also warned the United States not to interfere.

The recent sequence of events has made clear that the United States is increasingly isolated in Latin America.

- Akahata, March 12, 2008