National Assembly president rejects FARC accusations

www.vheadline.com Posted: Friday, March 07, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

National Assembly president Francisco Ameliach has rejected accusations the the Venezuelan Armed Forces (FAN) is permitting rebel groups from neighboring countries to base themselves on Venezuelan territory. 

Ameliach criticized some opposition members for spreading these kinds of rumors, insisting "they have a total lack of understanding " of the armed forces.

The National Assembly president claimed that certain sectors of the opposition are spreading these rumors because they are trying to damage relations between Venezuela and Colombia.

He also pointed to Colombia's withdrawal of a large troop presence along its border with Venezuela, stating that Colombia should be responsible for its own conflicts.