Bloggings by boz

Venezuela announced the deployment of 15,000 troops to the border to increase security following the recent violence. They arrested nearly 100 undocumented Colombians yesterday on the border as they search for "paramilitaries." They also claim to have arrested 3 DAS agents. Venezuelan President Chavez has shut down several border crossings and threatened to shut down more. Venezuelan Foreign Minister Maduro said the violence along the border was part of a US and Colombian plot to destabilize Venezuela.

Why is Chavez increasing the tensions? Three possible reasons:

1. He is honestly concerned about the new US-Colombia security agreement and plots coming from over the border.
2. He is trying to cover for falling poll numbers, rising crime, electricity shortages and other domestic problems.
3. He is increasing federal control via the military of a border region controlled by opposition politicians.

Colombia is striking a more conciliatory tone than Venezuela. President Uribe said there should never be a "Berlin Wall" between the two countries. Foreign Minister Bermudez said Colombia is open to constructive dialogue with their Venezuelan counterparts to resolve the issues along the border. The governor of the Colombian state on the border offered to host President Chavez for a visit to discuss the issues. The current border tensions are hurting economies on both sides of the border.

Brazil has proposed helping Colombia and Venezuela reduce tensions, jointly monitor incidents on the border and resolve conflicts without violence. That would be a very good thing for the region and I hope both countries take up that recommendation.