Paraguay’s Chamber of Deputies on Tuesday approved a Status of Forces Agreement that would expand the legal framework for a temporary U.S. military and civilian presence in the country, a step described by supporters as an advance for Washington’s security goals in Latin America.
Lawmakers approved the SOFA in a vote that passed by a large majority, with 53 deputies voting in favor and eight against, while four abstained; 15 lawmakers were not present for the vote. The agreement now awaits the signature of President Santiago Peña to take effect, and he is expected to sign it in the coming days.
The agreement, which both countries signed in Washington in December, creates terms for U.S. security forces in Paraguay covering training, joint exercises and humanitarian assistance. It also gives the United States criminal jurisdiction over its personnel while they are in the country, a provision that drove debate inside Paraguay’s legislature.
The SOFA’s approval came after Paraguayan Senate approval last week. In the Senate, debate was more polarized due to concerns among some lawmakers that the deal could violate sovereignty and limit Paraguay’s control over matters involving foreign forces.
Opponents raised particular objections tied to immunity from prosecution for foreign troops, which some lawmakers said would be comparable to treatment given to diplomatic personnel. Independent congressman Raúl Benítez said, “We believe in international cooperation, but we also believe in strong states, respected institutions and real democratic sovereignty.”
Paraguay’s foreign minister defended the agreement during December negotiations, arguing that its goal is to strengthen cooperation between the United States and Paraguay in fighting transnational organized crime and “terrorism.” Rubén Ramírez Lezcano also said in December that “there is no possibility of the installation of U.S. military bases” in Paraguay, even as the deal authorizes a legal framework for U.S. personnel to be present for defined activities.
In Washington, the agreement also drew praise. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it a “historic agreement,” saying it would help facilitate bilateral and multinational training, humanitarian assistance, disaster response, and other shared security interests.
Criticism also continued from parts of civil society in Paraguay. Peace and Justice Service, a civil organization with a presence across Latin America, said in a statement released days before the final vote that “The security of a country is not built by importing troops or shielding foreign agents with diplomatic immunities,” and that the treaty “does not represent progress in security, but rather the formalization of a geopolitics of impunity that undermines the pillars of our national dignity.”