Ruling against Colombian president

BOGOTA -- Colombian President Cesar Gaviria may have to stand trial for the unauthorised presence of US troops in Colombian territory.

On February 9 Colombia's Council of State unanimously ruled that Gaviria has violated the constitution and the nation's sovereignty by not seeking Senate approval for the deployment of US military personnel in several states. The Council of State is Colombia's highest legal authority in disputes between the various branches of government.

After weeks of protest and criticism, on January 18 the Council of State formally petitioned Gaviria to justify legally his unilateral green light for the US military presence. On February 24 the president responded with a 20-page communique containing references to treaties between Colombia and the United States. The Council of State, however, rejected Gaviria's explanations.
[Radio Havana via Pegasus.]

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