US State Department expresses concern over Venezuelan-Colombian borderland incidents

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Sunday, April 13, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

US State Department spokesman Richard Boucher says the USA has informed Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias of its concern about recent armed incidents in the border badlands. 

Although Boucher did not specify, there is little doubt that he was referring to an alleged strafing of a Colombian border village by Venezuelan helicopters and allegations from Venezuelan Executive Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel of close collaboration between the Colombian army and paramilitaries in border areas.

Boucher claims that the incidents underline the need of both governments to confront terrorism and engage in regional cooperation.

Meanwhile, another Washington spokesman, Charles Barclay has been laying on the pressure, regarding negotiations between the government and the opposition, fearing that President Chavez Frias will renege on the recall referendum. 

• Barclay says the USA believes the solution of the crisis passes through current negotiations and elections. 

Venezuelan Ambassador to Washington, Bernardo Alvarez says he has told Washington that the National Executive celebrates April 11 as a victory for democracy and constitutionalism because of the widespread support that returned the President Hugo Chavez Frias to power. 

The latest news coming from the corridors of power in Washington is that Chavez Frias and Fidel Castro are attempting to use the war on Iraq as a smokescreen to repress and persecute domestic opposition. 

Meanwhile, Venezuelan Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) Jorge Valero maintains that relations between the USA and Venezuela are "generally speaking, normal and positive."

The War in Iraq, effects and consequences discuss the role of the United Nations towards an equitable solution for the Iraqi people

Venezuelan Foreign Policy discuss the relative merits of Venezuela's foreign policy and its effects