Venezuela, DEA to sign new agreement

Venezuela, DEA to sign new agreement: "Venezuela, DEA to sign new agreement

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Venezuela will sign a new agreement with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as early as next week despite suspending cooperation last summer amid allegations that the U.S. agents were spies.

Venezuela's top anti-drug official, Luis Correa, told the state-run Bolivarian News Agency that the new agreement, which will have to be reviewed by the U.S. Congress, is based on 'mutual work and the exchange of information and technology,' without giving details.

President Hugo Chavez suspended cooperation with the DEA in August, accusing its members of 'infiltrating intelligence that threatens the security and defense of the country.'

The U.S. government denied the charges and said Venezuela had failed to effectively fight drug trafficking, removing it from a list of cooperating nations.

Officials have been holding talks to reach a new accord to govern DEA work in Venezuela.

Counter-drug officials say Venezuela serves as a corridor for large amounts of drugs, mostly Colombian cocaine, destined for the United States and Europe.


Correa said Venezuelan authorities have seized 72 tons of drugs so far in 2005, up from 43 tons in 2004."