Chavez turns up heat on Colombia

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has announced trade measures against Colombia, amid a growing diplomatic row between the two nations.

Chavez said he would halt the import of 10,000 cars from Colombia and ban a Colombian energy firm from exploring Venezuela’s oil-rich Orinoco region.
Last week, Chavez recalled his envoy from Bogota over accusations Venezuela had provided arms to Colombian rebels.

He is also angry at plans to allow US troops to use Colombian military bases.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe is currently touring South America to try to reassure fellow leaders over the planned accord with Washington to allow US troops to use several bases.

Stabroek News