The government spokesperson confirmed that the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security will establish bases in the country in the coming weeks
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The spokesperson for the Executive, Carolina Jaramillo, announced that Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security of the United States, will make an official visit to Ecuador to determine the location of DHS bases on national territory. Jaramillo clarified that it is still unknown whether these bases will be military.
Noem had already visited Ecuador last July, when collaboration was agreed upon to share biometric information on terrorists and extradition procedures between both countries. Back then, it was also agreed that a U.S. liaison official would operate from Ecuador.
The Government insisted that the installation of bases is included as a proposal in the referendum they plan to hold soon. According to Jaramillo, the consultation decree will address this issue along with other national security topics.
Carolina Jaramillo Vocera Carondelet
Jaramillo argued that the country keeps sovereignty and that any base plan must comply with the Constitution and be validated at the polls. They added that there will be no unilateral decisions without citizen support or democratic oversight.
The DHS state document doesn't provide for military bases abroad but rather coordination and intelligence offices of the Department of Homeland Security. From Ecuador, it has been emphasized that the facilities do not serve as combat bases.
The announcement caused concern in sectors warning that allowing foreign facilities could erode national autonomy. Despite this, allies of the Government welcomed the progress as a step toward greater bilateral cooperation in security.
In conclusion, Kristi Noem's visit and the "Homeland Security" base plan aim to consolidate a security alliance between Ecuador and the USA, with an emphasis on intelligence and technology, always under national supervision and with citizen validation in the future referendum.
