Colombia will sign a controversial security pact with the United States to enhance its war on "narcoterrorism" by the end of the week, Colombian Defence Minister Gabriel Silva said today. The agreement, which gives US troops access to seven bases to enhance Colombia's anti-drug and counter-insurgency operations, has been criticized by neighboring countries for allowing a American military presence in the region.

But Silva said the accord was a continuation of current policy and Colombia had gone to great lengths to explain that to apprehensive neighbors. Silva, who was in Washington for talks with US Defence Secretary Robert Gates, said the agreement would most likely be signed on Friday on his return to Bogota.

The US government has already appropriated $46 million to fund the new arrangement. Most will go to refurbish the Palanquero air base near Bogota. Colombia, the most reliable US ally in South America, has received around $6 billion in aid since 2000, though Silva said US aid currently represent only 4 % of the Colombian defence and security budget.

US officials have said the American military presence in Colombia will not exceed the current caps of 800 military personnel and 600 civilian contractors. They are mainly involved in training, logistical and intelligence support to help Colombia's armed forces in their fight against cocaine traffickers and leftist guerrillas. - Reuters