Bogotá, Nov. 26 (PO). On the occasion of the UNASUR meeting scheduled for tomorrow, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs hereby informs:

1. That following the latest meeting of Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Defense held September 15, 2009 in Quito, the Government of Colombia, displaying transparency and good faith, revealed the text of the Supplemental Agreement for Cooperation and Technical Assistance in Defense and Security signed with the Government of The United States of America.

2. Colombia has offered formal guarantees to the countries of the region that this agreement shall not affect the sovereignty of the other Nations, a gesture that has been well received.

3. Colombia understands that all members of UNASUR must coincide in the observance of the publication, as well as the formal guarantees regarding the military cooperation agreements subscribed in the region and with other countries from outside the region.

4. During the summit held August 28 in Bariloche, Argentina, the Chiefs of State requested the creation of measures conducive to trust regarding the agreements in place with countries from the region as well as with countries from outside the region, along with effective instruments against illegal weapon and narcotic trafficking, terrorism and the presence or actions of illegal armed groups. Colombia hopes these cooperation mechanisms are formalized in order to work on all these issues.

5. Colombia would like UNASUR to carry out the tasks it has been entrusted and is willing to make constructive contributions to this purpose.

6. However, the recent and increasing offenses endured by the Government and the people of Colombia lead to suggest that the issues to be discussed during the meeting tomorrow morning may not be treated with the respect, objectivity and thematic balance demanded by a meeting such like this. For this reason, a technical delegation of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and of National Defense has been appointed to attend this meeting.

(End)