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Colombian President Alvaro Uribe said Thursday his government was opening its doors to dialogue with Venezuela as he sought to further defuse tensions between the South American neighbors.

Speaking at the Colombian-Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce, Uribe expressed hope to fully restore relations with Venezuela, while urging Caracas to join the fight against guerillas.

Relations between the two countries broke down in July after Bogota signed a military base agreement with the United States. Tensions were exacerbated by a trade dispute.

Explosive charges were also levied by Madrid earlier this month that suggested Venezuela helped Basque separatist group ETA and Colombian rebels plot to kill Uribe.

"The only interest Colombia has is to eliminate the scourge of violence that has affected much of its prosperity over the past two centuries," Uribe said.

"I am very concerned that the disunity of our countries will deprive of prosperity just as the prevalence of violence in our country."

He also stressed his willingness to normalize relations with Caracas, vowing to "continue in that task. The doors for dialogue are open."

Story from AFP
AFP 003/17/2010 03:48

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