Diplomatic crisis, FARC message marks Colombian week

COLOMBIA: The diplomatic crisis with Venezuela and a call by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) for dialogue to politically solve the internal conflict were two of the top headlines in Colombia this week.

The Colombian-Venezuelan dispute, heightened after a total break-off of relations, led to a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) in Quito, Ecuador, but they were unable to reach consensus on solving the conflict, despite regional efforts.

At the meeting, Colombia reiterated its accusations against Venezuela regarding the alleged presence of guerrilla forces in the neighboring country’s territory, which was strongly refuted by Caracas.

These accusations were denied by President Hugo Chavez and are interpreted as another attempt to discredit Venezuela and create a scenario of confrontation as a prelude to an armed attack with U.S. consent.

Bogota, Prensa Latina