The Final Call

Bolivia, Iran in military pact

By AP | Last updated: Jun 28, 2012 - 1:29:35 PM

What's your opinion on this article?

LA PAZ, Bolivia (AP) - The presidents of Iran and Bolivia have signed a preliminary agreement for the Islamic republic to train Bolivian counterdrug police and provide them with communications equipment.

The memorandum of understanding is the first military pact between the two countries. Presidents Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Evo Morales signed it June 19 during a brief visit by the Iranian leader.

Bolivian deputy social defense minister Felipe Caceres says 10 Bolivian police will initially be trained. The location remains to be decided.

Mr. Caceres would not say how the agreement would affect counterdrug efforts with the United States in the world’s No. 3 cocaine-producing nation that have diminished since Pres. Morales expelled U.S. drug agents in 2008. Pres. Ahmadinejad is also to visit Venezuela and Brazil.

Related news:

Iran's President visits four Latin American countries on tour (FCN, 01-23-2012)

Caribbean, Latin American nations forge alliance (FCN, 01-23-2012)

Bolivian Pres: Liberation sweeping Latin America (FCN, 10-08-2008)

Evo Morales and the roots of revolution (FCN, 02-07-2006)