Paraguay lawmakers approve a defense agreement that allows an increased US military presence

Paraguay’s lawmakers have approved an agreement that lets U.S. military and civilian personnel operate in the country under special legal rules. On Tuesday, the Chamber of Deputies passed the Status of Forces Agreement by a wide margin. The deal now awaits President Santiago Peña’s signature. The agreement covers training, joint exercises and humanitarian assistance. It also gives the United States criminal jurisdiction over its personnel in Paraguay. Paraguay’s foreign minister says it strengthens cooperation against organized crime and terrorism. Critics in Congress and civil society say it risks sovereignty and grants immunity. Washington called the agreement “historic.”