Colombia, Venezuela Agree to Redeploy Ambassadors, Investigate Border Issue

Colombia, Venezuela Agree to Redeploy Ambassadors, Investigate Border Issue
Fecha de publicación: 
23 September 2015
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They also decided to tackle “sensitive issues” affecting the ongoing border crisis at the ministerial level, starting with a meeting in Caracas on Wednesday, according to a statement read out by Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa after Monday’s meeting.

The statement touched on other issues too, including “the progressive normalization of the border,” the “coexistence of economic, political and social models of each country,” and an appeal “to the spirit of brotherhood and unity, fostering a climate of mutual respect and coexistence,” in addition to “continue working with the support of Ecuador and Uruguay.”

Both presidents were satisfied with the outcome of the meeting where, according to Santos, both sides agreed to investigate “some incidents of air space violation at the (Colombian) border” and work together to fight criminal gangs, drug trafficking and smuggling.

The Colombian leader was respectful of the measures adopted by the Venezuelan government to deal with the crisis, such as the partial closure of the border and the deportations of undocumented Colombians, but also reiterated the need for recognition of the human rights of his compatriots.

The countries had also agreed to investigate those cases, he added.

Maduro hoped the schedule for investigating common problems would help resolve them and benefit not only the people of Colombia and Venezuela but the entire South American region.

The president admitted the meeting with Santos was not bereft of “complexities and difficulties” owing to the sensitivity of the situation, but they managed to show “with political will it is possible” to find a solution to problems.

The agreements bring an end to the crisis that erupted following Maduro’s order on Aug. 19 to close a part of the border crossing between the two countries and deport over 1,600 Colombians living in Venezuela, according to data by UN agencies.

Another 19,000 Colombians fled Venezuela of their own volition, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

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