Foreign and defence ministers from the 12 countries in the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) are meeting in Ecuador today. The United States’ military presence in Colombia will be high on the agenda.
 
This summer, the governments in Washington and Bogotá agreed that US troops would play a greater role in fighting the cocaine trade in Colombia. Under the deal, the US will be allowed to use military bases in Colombia.
 
The leaders of most neighbouring countries are left-wing and fear the pact will lead to increased US influence in the region. The conference is also expected to discuss the recent acquisition of weapons by Venezuela and Brazil.
 
The UNASUR group was formed to promote understanding between its members and improve relations. It comprises Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Surinam, Uruguay and Venezuela.

UNASUR flag (Wikimedia Commons)