Device Explodes Near Home of Colombian Envoy in Caracas

www.voanews.com VOA News 27 Feb 2003, 23:13 UTC

Venezuelan authorities say a device has exploded near the home of Colombia's ambassador in Caracas.

Investigators say the blast happened Thursday, 40 meters from the home of Ambassador Maria Angela Holguin. The explosion damaged nearby buildings, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.

The trouble comes two days after twin explosions ripped through Colombia's consulate in Caracas, and the Spanish Embassy there.

At least four people were injured in the attacks that supporters and opponents of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez have blamed on each other.

Two days before the Colombian and Spanish diplomatic missions were attacked, President Chavez accused Colombia, Spain and the United States of meddling in his country's internal affairs. The U.S. embassy in Caracas also closed for one day Thursday after receiving a threat.

The three nations had expressed concern about the recent arrest of a Venezuelan business leader, Carlos Fernandez, who helped organize a two-month general strike against Mr. Chavez. The two-month walkout was aimed at forcing the Venezuelan president to resign and call early elections.

Venezuela's government and the U.S. State Department have condemned the attacks on the diplomatic missions.

In a related development, the Reuters news agency says the six-member "Group of Friends" of Venezuela will meet in Brasilia March 10 in another bid to help the troubled Andean nation resolve its political crisis.

Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and the United States comprise the group that was formed several weeks ago to help facilitate a dialogue between Venezuela's government and opposition.