Asia-Pacific

Bolivia calls Unasur meeting for Colombia-Venezuela crisis

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-07-26 11:04
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LA PAZ - The Bolivian government said on Sunday it is calling for an "emergency" meeting of the Union of South American Nations (Unasur) to find a solution to the crisis between Colombia and Venezuela.

Bolivian President Evo Morales told a press conference that the meeting, expected to be held on Thursday, will discuss the diplomatic ties between Venezuela and Colombia.

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Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez broke up diplomatic ties with Colombia on Thursday, after Colombia accused him of harboring Colombian guerilla chiefs in his territory.

Chavez on Sunday blamed Colombia for preparing to launch a military raid against Venezuela.

To help quell the row, Morales requested Unasur's rotatory president, Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, to summon an emergency meeting to discuss the dispute.

"Let the Unasur solve this problem," Morales said. "We should prevent any extra interference, such as from the United States, to avoid a war in the region."

Morales also said he believed Colombia's President-elect Juan Manuel Santos, due to take office on August 7, will help ease the growing tension between Colombia and Venezuela.