Iran, Ecuador Eye Military Ties As U.S. Prepares to Withdraw from Airbase
As the United States military prepares to vacate an airbase in Ecuador in the fall, the leftist government responsible for its upcoming departure is looking to Iran as a future military partner.
Iranian television quoted Ecuadorian Defense Minister Javier Ponce as saying his country wants to collaborate with countries such as Iran that are willing to help Ecuador develop its defense industry.
Ponce also noted that the U.S. will leave an airbase at Manta, a coastal city about 200 miles east of Quito, the capital. A 10-year lease for the site expires in November, and President Rafael Correa, an ally of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, has refused to renew it.
Senior U.S. administration officials in recent months have voiced concern about Iranian activities in Latin America.
Iranian “meddling” was of greater concern for him than Russian Navy drills in Venezuelan waters late last year.
clipped from: www.cnsnews.com 