Western Hemisphere
Ibero-American General Secretary Enrique Iglesias said on Friday that the "relationship of brotherhood" between Colombia and Venezuela "is very strong and will continue." He said that the new conflict between the two countries could be solved through "information and dialogue."

At a breakfast hosted by Europe Forum in Madrid, Iglesias was asked about the recent tensions between Colombia and Venezuela, following President Hugo Chávez's statements urging military and civilians to "prepare for war."

The Uruguayan former president of the IADB said that the statement made by Venezuelan President was "anecdotic."

"The relationship of brotherhood between Colombia and Venezuela is very strong and will continue," the Ibero-American Secretary General said.

He denied claims that there is a risk of war or that the conflict between the two countries will affect the Ibero-American Summit to be held in Estoril (Portugal). Iglesias stressed: "It was a verbal argument, but not a real threat."

He informed that there are "some mechanisms" in place to settle the issue.