By Kaitlyn Degnan
Impunity Watch Reporter, South America
QUITO, Ecuador — After a month of tension, Venezuela and Colombia have reestablished diplomatic ties and have begun working towards reopening border crossings.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos engaged in five hours of discussion hosted by President Rafael Correra of Ecuador at the Presidential Palace in Quito. Correra along with President Tabare Vazquez of Uruguay mediated the meeting. Regional organizations UNASUR and CELAC also participated in the discussions.
Following the talks, Correra read a joint statement issued by Santos and Maduro, which detailed a seven point statement of peace agreements, which included the reinstatement of their ambassadors, strengthening bilateral dialogue, an investigation of the border situation and to find a solution to the problems plaguing the border.
A follow-up meeting will be held on September 23rd.
The Venezuelan/Colombian border has been in a state of crisis since President Maduro implemented a state of emergency and closed border crossings in several regions about a month ago. Maduro blames smugglers operating across the border for an increase in crime and the worsening economy in Venezuela.
Tensions spiked last week when the Colombian government accused a Venezuelan fighter jet of flying into its airspace.
Problems regarding the border have existed for years, dating back to a series of diplomatic spats between the late Venezuelan socialist leader Hugo Chavez and former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe. The area, which is sparsely populated, is a hotbed of activity for smugglers and paramilitary groups.
As many as 20,000 Colombians living in Venezuela have been displaced as a result of what the United Nations calls a “critical humanitarian situation.”
For more information, please see:
Reuters – Venezuela and Colombia agree to restore ambassadors after spat – 21 September 2015
TeleSur – Venezuela, Colombia Agree to Address Border Closure Dispute – 21 September 2015
BBC – Venezuela and Colombia to normalise ties after border row – 22 September 2015
Financial Times – Colombia and Venezuela ease tensions – 22 September 2015
Times – Colombia and Venezuela Agree to Normalize Relations After Border Dispute – 22 September 2015
