In an attempt to take distance from the Colombian guerrilla following claims of his alleged links with the rebels presented by Bogotá before the Organization of American States, OAS, President Hugo Chavez said that “Colombian armed groups must reconsider their armed strategy”.
Brazil is following “closely and with great concern” the latest developments between Colombia and Venezuela said the Brazilian Foreign Office, Itamaraty, confirming that President Lula da Silva will be travelling to meet with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez next August 6, as was scheduled.
Former Argentine president and current Secretary-General of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Néstor Kirchner, “will collaborate in the mediation led by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, in order to overcome the crisis between the Colombian and Venezuelan governments”.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez broke off his country's relations with neighbouring Colombia Thursday over allegations that Colombian rebels were operating in Venezuela.
Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa announced Wednesday he would be attending Colombian president-elect Juan Manuel Santos taking-office ceremony next August 7, according to a report from the government news agency ‘Andes’.
Colombia will take evidence it says proves the presence of FARC and ELN guerrillas in Venezuela to a meeting of the Organization of American States next Thursday confirmed ambassador to OAS Luis Alfonso Hoyos.
Venezuela has rejected Colombia's accusation that Caracas tolerates Colombian guerrillas on its territory. The charge was a desperate attempt to undermine relations between the two countries, particularly with the incoming administration of president-elect Juan Manuel Santos, the Venezuelan foreign ministry said.
French-Colombian ex-hostage and presidential hopeful Ingrid Betancourt withdraw this week a widely-criticized demand for compensation for nearly six years in captivity in Colombia.
Colombian exports to Venezuela totalled 652 million US dollars between January and May 2010, showing a 71.4% fall compared with the first five months of 2009, reports Colombia's Department of Statistics (DANE).
Colombian-French politician Ingrid Betancourt, who spent six years as a rebel hostage before being rescued, has sued the Colombian state over her kidnapping, sparking outrage from the government that freed her.