Haven't posted any meaningful Ecuador updates of late, because the well-substantiated, major developments that would qualify have been virtually non-existent. However, the article link below, which takes you to a Spanish language source, offers some reasonable points of consideration. For attribution, here is the link: http://www.eluniverso.com/2009/09/14/1/1355/unasur-promovera-confianza-acuerdo-militar-colombiaeeuu-sobre-tapete.html?p=1355&m=861.
Mainly, it is an article discussing this week's Unasur meetings, but the notable point is that Unasur is considering establishing a sort of "vote of confidence" panel to review and "approve" any and all military pacts between Unasur nations and non-Unasur nations. This is being done under the auspices of regional security integration. The article and other sources do not reveal significant details, or discuss what "powers of authority" Unasur will grant this review panel, if for example, the panel rejects the Colombia-U.S. agreement and Colombia says, basically, "So, what?" Still, it represents an interesting addition to Unasur discussions and an item that bears watching.
Now...a few "opinion statements" from me and this is just one man's opinion. I think this ongoing discussion about regional security truly bears watching. It has substantive ramification potential. If Unasur could actually establish a workable "security framework" for Latin America, this would go a very long way towards regional cooperation and might compel the countries to work more closely together, out of mutual self-interest. Imo, the clear winner in all this would be Brazil, who would, de facto, rise as the leader of this South American-bloc. This would give Brazil a heightened status in the global hierarchy, but could also possibly change relationships between Brazil and the other South American nations, which makes it a critical point to watch if you have Ecuadorian interests or are considering an Ecuadorian relocation. It should be noted that to date, Brazil has been relatively reserved and quiet on Unasur matters...with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela being the most vocal and quoted source. Still...Chavez would be voted "most vocal" at a parrot convention, so that says little about where true leadership of Unasur lies. Further statements and clarifications may come from the Tuesday (tomorrow) Unasur meeting, but I will not likely comment until Friday, as I am swamped for the next few days. Yeah...yeah..I know...not like anyone was waiting on "pins and needles" for an update from me...but just didn't want anyone to think I'd lost interest...was driven away...or had gone up into the foothills to fight alongside the ghost of Che' Guevara.
Mainly, it is an article discussing this week's Unasur meetings, but the notable point is that Unasur is considering establishing a sort of "vote of confidence" panel to review and "approve" any and all military pacts between Unasur nations and non-Unasur nations. This is being done under the auspices of regional security integration. The article and other sources do not reveal significant details, or discuss what "powers of authority" Unasur will grant this review panel, if for example, the panel rejects the Colombia-U.S. agreement and Colombia says, basically, "So, what?" Still, it represents an interesting addition to Unasur discussions and an item that bears watching.
Now...a few "opinion statements" from me and this is just one man's opinion. I think this ongoing discussion about regional security truly bears watching. It has substantive ramification potential. If Unasur could actually establish a workable "security framework" for Latin America, this would go a very long way towards regional cooperation and might compel the countries to work more closely together, out of mutual self-interest. Imo, the clear winner in all this would be Brazil, who would, de facto, rise as the leader of this South American-bloc. This would give Brazil a heightened status in the global hierarchy, but could also possibly change relationships between Brazil and the other South American nations, which makes it a critical point to watch if you have Ecuadorian interests or are considering an Ecuadorian relocation. It should be noted that to date, Brazil has been relatively reserved and quiet on Unasur matters...with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela being the most vocal and quoted source. Still...Chavez would be voted "most vocal" at a parrot convention, so that says little about where true leadership of Unasur lies. Further statements and clarifications may come from the Tuesday (tomorrow) Unasur meeting, but I will not likely comment until Friday, as I am swamped for the next few days. Yeah...yeah..I know...not like anyone was waiting on "pins and needles" for an update from me...but just didn't want anyone to think I'd lost interest...was driven away...or had gone up into the foothills to fight alongside the ghost of Che' Guevara.
