Venezuelan, Colombian Presidents to Discuss Border Security

<a href=www.voanews.com>VOA News 23 Apr 2003, 00:05 UTC

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Colombian President Alvaro Uribe are set to hold a bilateral summit Wednesday amid rising tensions over allegations that Venezuela shelters Colombian leftist rebels.

The talks in Puerto Ordaz, Venezuela come two days after Venezuelan Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel angrily denied that his country gives refuge to what he called delinquents of any nationality.

Mr. Rangel made his remarks in response to comments from Colombian Attorney-General Luis Camilo Osorio, who said that Venezuela has become a haven for Colombian criminals.

Mr. Rangel also accused Mr. Camilo and other Colombian officials of trying to tarnish the reputation of the Venezuelan government and ruin the relationship between the two neighbors.

President Chavez denies his government ever aided Colombian guerrillas or knowingly allowed them to slip into Venezuelan territory.

Officials in both countries say the border has become the scene of numerous skirmishes between various military and paramilitary groups.