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Ecuador: US Military Could Use Galapagos Island for Flights

Associated Press

   QUITO, ECUADOR - A plan by Ecuador to let the U.S. military use a
   Galapagos island for aircraft on anti-drug trafficking flights is
   drawing criticism that the agreement would damage the archipelago's
   unique animal and plant life.

   About 30 people protested outside the main government office in Quito
   on Monday, calling the plan a threat to the environment of the U.N.
   world heritage site as well as Ecuador's sovereignty. Protester Gloria
   Reinoso said she was concerned about the impact of the noise and
   infrastructure required to support a U.S. military presence.

   Last week, Defense Minister Oswaldo Jarrin said San Cristobal island
   could be a staging point for American aircraft flying surveillance
   missions aimed at stopping drug traffickers who transport illicit cargo
   by sea. Jarrin said flight crews would stay a week at most on the
   island and would be monitored by Ecuadorian authorities.

   The United States Southern Command, which is responsible for U.S.
   military affairs in the region, did not immediately comment.

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