The Senate of Paraguay approved this Wednesday (4) the agreement between the country’s government and the United States that authorizes the temporary presence of North American military personnel in Paraguayan territory. The Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) received 28 votes in favor and now goes to the Chamber of Deputies for analysis.
The agreement establishes the legal framework for the operations, in Paraguayan territory, of military personnel, civilians from the United States Department of War and companies and professionals hired by the American government to provide support for the planned missions. According to the Senate of Paraguay, the text does not authorize the installation of permanent military bases in the country nor does it provide for the transfer of territorial sovereignty.
The agreement provides for migratory facilities – including the entry into Paraguay of US military and defense personnel with status equivalent to diplomatic visas -, recognition of professional licenses, authorization to wear uniforms and carry weapons, in addition to the introduction of equipment necessary for American military operations on Paraguayan soil. Tax and customs exemptions are also provided for materials used in these missions.
With regard to immunities, the document establishes that the United States will exercise criminal jurisdiction over its personnel for acts committed while on duty. The text also provides for free movement of foreign contingents and the use of facilities previously authorized by Paraguay, with any disputes resolved through diplomatic channels.
The agreement between Paraguay and the United States was signed in December last year and, according to a statement made at the time, the American Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, stated that the document will allow for expanded cooperation to confront transnational criminal organizations.
“The agreement respects Paraguay’s sovereignty, but creates the conditions to work, cooperate and train together, exchange information directly and quickly and respond to any humanitarian emergency that may arise in the future,” Rubio declared at the time.
The Paraguayan Foreign Minister, Rubén Ramírez, reaffirmed, according to an official statement, the commitment of President Santiago Peña’s government to maintain cooperation with the United States in the fight against organized crime, drug trafficking, human trafficking and corruption.
With approval in the Senate, the agreement advances to the final stage of discussion in the country’s Chamber of Deputies.
