Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Fernando Araújo Perdomo Wednesday said he was scolded because of his remarks on March 20th, when he said that his country's guerrillas share Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez' ideology.

"I made I mistake, and my statements were ill-fated," Araújo Perdomo told Colombian radio station "La FM" from Washington, where is paying his first visit as Foreign Minister, following his designation in February, Efe said.
 
The diplomat, who was kidnapped by rebel Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) for six years, Tuesday said that while in captivity he saw the way rebels admired Chávez and listened to his speeches "with excitement."

On Wednesday, Araújo conceded Colombian President Álvaro Uribe advised him to be wise in his declarations.

"I was scolded at the Palace (the presidential office). President Uribe suggested me to reflect having in mind the preservation of good relations," Araújo declared.

Araújo explained he talked Tuesday in Washington with Venezuelan Ambassador to US Bernardo Álvarez and told him he had no intention "to ignite an international incident."

Later, the Colombian FM stressed that "bilateral ties between Colombia and Venezuela are given under the framework of respect for the principle of non-interference in each country's domestic affairs."

"I do respect the Government and the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, with whose country we have superb relations and have been working in a constructive way," he stressed.