QUITO, June 22 (Xinhuanet) -- The Ecuadorian armed forces said Wednesday that they support President Alfredo Palacio's decision to reject conditional military aid provided by the United States.

    "Not long ago, the president said it is not possible, in exchange of military aid, to grant immunity to US troops and lose sovereignty," said Joint Chief of Staff Manuel Zapater.

    He said Ecuador has given "much more than whatever has been at its reach" with the acceptance of a US base at Manta Port and the deployment of 8,000 Ecuadorian troops to watch over the Colombian border affected by an internal armed conflict.

    Zapater made the remarks two days after a brief visit to Ecuador by General Bantz Craddock, commander of the US Southern Command.

    During his visit to Ecuador on Monday, Craddock said the UnitedStates will provide assistance for the country according to its democratic process. Enditem