MIM Notes #227       February 1, 2001

New u$ military base in Ecuador to help fight war in Colombia

by HC93

The Navy is investing $62 million in the airport in Manta, Ecuador 
to make room for u$ planes and 200 Amerikans. This base will 
support the increased operations under Plan Colombia which claims 
to fight the war on drugs in the neighboring country. As MIM has 
reported in the past, the war on drugs is a war against oppressed 
people, and the situation in Colombia is a clear example of this 
(see MN 212).

The deal made with the former president of Ecuador does not 
pretend to offer anything to the people except an influx of 
dollars for local businesses. The Yankees will not even have to 
pay rent or taxes while occupying the Ecuadorian land. Ecuador's 
Congress and highest court are challenging the legality of the 
deal because of fears of bringing the war to their soil. 
Meanwhile, the people have taken to the streets with the message 
"!!Fuera Yanquis de Manta!!" (Yankees out of Manta!)

MIM opposes all u$ militarism around the world, and supports the 
people of Ecuador in their struggle to keep the Yankee military 
out of their country. Those within u$ borders that wish to fight 
u$ militarism should work with MIM in our constant struggle to 
build support for anti-imperialism here in the belly of the beast.

Notes:

New York Times. 31 December 2000.