Colombia has accused Russia of “interfering” on its border with Venezuela, a claim rejected by the Russian embassy in Bogota.
“We know that some Bolivarian (Venezuelan) men and military units of the armed forces have moved to the border (Colombia with Venezuela) with the support and technical assistance of Russia,” the Colombian defense minister said on Thursday. Diego Molano. Citing intelligence sources, Molano spoke of “foreign intervention” in the area, where two armed groups have been at loggerheads since early January. One of them, the National Liberation Army (ELN), is backed by Caracas, according to Colombian authorities.
In a statement issued today, the Russian embassy in Colombia expressed its “surprise” at these “irresponsible” statements. It also regrets “repeated attempts (by the Colombian government) to accuse the Russian Federation” of “alleged interference in Colombia ‘s internal affairs”.
The Russian ambassador spoke of “irresponsible allegations made by a member of the government”, accusing Molano of “relentlessly searching for imaginary” enemies and making “unverified” statements.
Commenting on the issue today, Colombian President Ivan Duque said it was “important to maintain the spirit of co-operation” and “obviously, the diplomatic dialogue that is appropriate”.
“Undoubtedly, I think we will have the opportunity to talk to the Russian diplomatic mission in Colombia to understand a little bit about the military aid being provided to Venezuela, why the presence of the equipment they have in that country is so important,” he insisted.
Analysts in Bogota say Russia’s actions on the border may be linked to the crisis in Ukraine, after Russian President Vladimir Putin warned he could send troops to the Caribbean or Venezuela, and Moscow recently pushed for a ceasefire. ELN and the Colombian Government.
ELV rebels and groups seceding from the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), rejecting the 2016 peace deal, have been at loggerheads since early January, claiming control of Arauca province. A river is the only natural barrier separating this province from Venezuela. Because of this proximity, Arauca is a smuggling zone and a major export route for Colombian drugs.
As a result of the clashes between the two guerrilla groups, mainly targeted killings, about 70 people have lost their lives in one month. According to Bogota, the two organizations have bases in Venezuela, something that the government of Nicolas Maduro denies.
Colombia, one of the main US allies in Latin America, and Venezuela severed diplomatic ties after Conservative President Ivan Duque took office in August 2018. Last May, when an unprecedented wave of anti-government protests was taking place. In Colombia, the government blamed Russia for cyberattacks on its official websites. The Russian embassy expressed surprise at these “completely unfounded” allegations.
SOURCE: AMPE
Source: Capital
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