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Chavez Freezes Out Colombia

Puts brakes on bilateral ties over talks with rebels

By Peter Fearon,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 26, 2007 4:56 AM CST
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(Newser) – Venezuela's volatile President Hugo Chavez says he is freezing ties with neighboring Colombia, insulted by Bogota's decision to ditch Chavez as a negotiator with Marxist guerrillas who have been holding hostages for years. Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe accused Chavez of favoring the rebels and overstepping his authority. Chavez called the move "a spit in the face" and labeled Uribe a liar, the BBC reports.

"It's like the case of Spain: until the king of Spain apologizes, I'm freezing relations," he said. Chavez annoyed Uribe by grandstanding and sharing details with the press; Chavez appeared in photos with a rebel commander. The setback angered hostates' relatives and dozens protested at the presidential palace in Bogota. "Nothing touches this government—not the deaths, nor our mourning, nor the pain the families of the kidnapped live with,"  one relative said.

People look at photos of police and soldiers who are kidnapped by rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, in Bogota, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007. Colombia's government canceled Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's mediation role with leftist rebels in a possible hostage swap. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)
People look at photos of police and soldiers who are kidnapped by rebels of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, FARC, in Bogota, Thursday, Nov. 22, 2007. Colombia's government canceled Venezuelan...   (Associated Press)
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is covered in confetti during a rally in support to the constitutional changes proposed by him in Caracas. Chavez says he is putting relations with Colombia in the freezer after its president, Alvaro Uribe, ended the Venezuelan leader's role mediating with leftist rebels in the neighboring...
Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is covered in confetti during a rally in support to the constitutional changes proposed by him in Caracas. Chavez says he is putting relations with Colombia "in the freezer"...   (Associated Press)
This photo released by the presidency of Colombia shows President Alvaro Uribe, delivering a speech during a visit to Calamar, Colombia, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007. Uribe accused Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chavez, of appearing not to be interested in peace in Colombia, but rather a government run by Colombia's largest leftist...
This photo released by the presidency of Colombia shows President Alvaro Uribe, delivering a speech during a visit to Calamar, Colombia, Sunday, Nov. 25, 2007. Uribe accused Venezuelan leader, Hugo Chavez,...   (Associated Press)
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Hostage Crisis

Chavez wants FARC government in Bogota
AFP

Tensions mount between Colombia and Venezuela
New York Times

Supporters of French hostage protest end to negotiations
International Herald Tribune

 
Venezuela • Nicolas Sarkozy • Colombia • FARC • Hugo Chávez • Alvaro Uribe • Manuel Marulanda • hostage

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