The Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Wednesday rejected
Colombian officials' remarks on Venezuela and declared that
authorities are waiting for a response that "restores" respect
and high-level ties between the two nations.
In a communiqué, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs replied
to Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Fernando Araújo's
remarks. The document repudiated Araújo's comments and
branded his declarations as "inconvenient," as they come from
a fraternal country that has superb relations with Venezuela.
"We deem it inconvenient that the Minister of Foreign Affairs
of a fraternal country with which we have superb relations
declares, in a light manner, from Washington about issues
related to President Hugo Chávez, thus making room for
these remarks to be used against our country," the communiqué
said.
In this connection, the Venezuelan Minister of Foreign Affairs
wondered whether the behavior of the Colombian diplomat could
be considered as an "official policy" of President Álvaro
Uribe's Government.
The document added that Venezuela is deeply concerned about
the possibility that Araújo "uses his tour of the United
States to make statements against Venezuela," particularly
even though "Venezuela and our Government have made, are making
and will continue to make efforts to support the peace process
Uribe is advancing with Colombian rebel forces."
Venezuela also rejected Colombian Minister of the Interior
Carlos Holguín's comments in an interview with Bogotá-based
newspaper El Tiempo where he "deliberately attacks" Venezuelan
democracy.