Ecuador’s Assembly has begun the debate on establishing foreign military bases, with initial approval of a bill and a further report required. The RC, led by Gissela Garzón, aims to influence the outcome with new legislators set to take office soon. Opposition from citizen groups like CPAZ emphasizes sovereignty concerns and past negative experiences, advocating against foreign military involvement.
Ecuador’s Assembly has taken an initial step towards debating the establishment of foreign military bases within its territory. A bill concerning this matter received approval during Thursday’s session and will undergo further scrutiny by the Occasional Commission, which is tasked with preparing a report for a second and final debate in the Assembly.
Assemblywoman Gissela Garzón, leading the Commission for Citizen Revolution (RC), suggested that extending the discussion may be an option. She indicated that the incoming legislators, who will assume office on May 14, should form a new commission to advance the report for the subsequent debate.
Although the RC will hold the largest representation in the new Assembly, it will not attain a majority. However, the RC may collaborate with the Pachakutik movement to prevent any constitutional changes that would enable foreign military bases in Ecuador.
In light of President Noboa’s proposal sent in October 2024, following a favorable ruling from the Constitutional Court to amend Article 5 of the Constitution, the Assembly must conduct two votes to authorize foreign military presence. Should this occur, the decision will be subjected to a public referendum.
The Coordinator for Peace, Sovereignty, and Non-Interference (CPAZ) has vehemently opposed the establishment of foreign military bases, stating it would compromise the nation’s sovereignty. They have launched a digital campaign to defend the country’s autonomy and announced their intention to collect signatures against foreign military presence for submission to the National Assembly.
The CPAZ and the A World Beyond War movement reiterated the lesson from the Manta Base experience between 1999 and 2009, highlighting the detrimental effects of foreign military presence on human rights and its ineffectiveness in combating drug trafficking.
The Ecuadorian Assembly continues to deliberate on the contentious issue of foreign military bases. With potential implications for sovereignty, citizen groups are actively opposing these measures. The upcoming legislative session will be critical as it may shape the country’s future stance on foreign military presence.
Original Source: www.plenglish.com
