Venezuela President Hugo Chavez has written to South American leaders telling them that he "regrets" the current diplomatic crisis with Colombia over plans to allow the U.S. access to Colombian military bases.
In the letter, published by Argentinean newspaper Pagina 1/2, Chavez claims to be "deeply concerned about the tense situation with Colombia."
According to Chavez, "the American empire has begun an unhistorical counterattack in order to reverse the unity, sovereignty and democracy on our continent" and wants to "enforce the restoration of imperial domination in all spheres of life of our societies."
"We are truly and deeply concerned about the tense situation with the sister republic of Colombia over the installation of at least seven military bases in this beloved and brotherly South American territory."
Chavez warns the South American leaders that the U.S. military influence in Colombia is not just a threat to the leftist regimes of Venezuela and Ecuador, but "the greatest threat in this historic moment to the infinite riches" of the continent.
South American leaders will meet in Argentina on Friday for a special summit about the controversial U.S.-Colombian military agreement.
