MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Carmona granted exile

Pedro Carmona the Venezuelan businessman who briefly replaced President Hugo Chaves during a failed coup last month was granted political asylum by the Colombian government.

Mr. Carmona fled to the Colombian Embassy last week after a Judge ordered him transferred from house arrest to prison.

Mr. Carmona is accused of rebellion and usurpation of the presidential office. However he claims the was asked by the military who led the uprising against president Chaves to form a transitional government.

Colombian Foreign Minister Guillermo Fernández de Soto said the decision was taken after careful consideration and in accordance with international law.

However Venezuelan Foreign Minister Luis Alfonso Davila criticized the decision arguing that Mr. Carmona was not facing death o being politically persecuted, but was under investigation for a criminal charge.

Venezuela still has to decide whether to grant, or not, a safe conduct form Mr. Carmona to leave the country.

"We will make known, in due time, the decision of the government of Venezuela", said Mr. Davila.

Colombia and Venezuela have been at odds for some time following Colombian military claims that their Venezuelan counterpart provides shelter and sanctuaries to Marxist oriented Colombian guerrillas.