Quito, Aug 8 (DPA) Many South American nations have made clear their displeasure with Colombia's plans to allow the US use its seven military bases, and the issue is likely to feature when the region's leaders meet here Monday.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is not set to attend the summit of the Union of South American Nations (Unasur). His country has not had diplomatic ties with host Ecuador for over a year, following a cross-border Colombian Army raid that targeted a camp of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) on Ecuadorian soil.

Bogota is considering granting the US military increased access to bases within Colombia. The official reason is the fight against drug trafficking, which fuels the activities of leftist Colombian rebels that have been fighting the state for more than 40 years.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a long-time antagonist of Uribe, has voiced strong opposition to Colombia's plans, and moved to freeze ties with Bogota as well as recalling the ambassador. He considers the narcotics interdiction a pretense, and he has accused the US of seeking to establish Colombia as a 'Yankee' platform for attacks on other countries in Latin America.

As is often the case, Chavez is the most outspoken critic of US plans in Latin America, but other leaders around the region have expressed reservations too.

This week, Uribe toured seven South American countries to explain his plans.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva demanded formal guarantees that the planned deal between Bogota and Washington would not allow the use of Colombian bases to launch actions on other countries in the region.