Relations between Venezuela and its neighbor Colombia are extremely strained, with a suspension of certain bilateral trade and other accords. and the withdrawal of Venezuela's ambassador to Bogota. According to the Financial Times:

Alleged Venezuelan support for leftwing Colombian guerrillas has brought the latest dispute, which resulted in Venezuela suspending commercial links and withdrawing its ambassador from Bogotá on Friday. Mr Chávez wants a public apology from Alvaro Uribe, his Colombian counterpart.

Late on Sunday, Mr Uribe accused Venezuela of 'harbouring terrorists' and 'violating its sovereignty'. In addition, the Colombian president said that he would 'supply proof' that Venezuela protected seven leaders of the leftwing Revolutionary Armed Forces (Farc) and that the guerrilla group fighting a four—decade war against the Colombian government had established bases on Venezuelan soil.

Venezuela's suspension on Friday of bilateral trade and business accords with Colombia was unexpected, and of uncertain duration. Trade between the two countries was worth roughly $2.5bn (£1.9bn, £1.3bn) last year.

The two countries have long had border disputes, but Chavez is showing his stripes as a revolutionary Marxist bent on suberting his neighbors. The US should support Colombia fully.

Ed Lasky and Thomas Lifson  1 17 05