Ban Ki-moon urges Colombia-Venezuela dialogue

The United Nations (UN) Secretary General Ban Ki-moon Monday reminded Colombia and Venezuela Monday that dialogue is the best way to resolve differences “between neighbors”.

The Korean was referring to the diplomatic crisis which has flared up between the two South American nations, after Colombia accused Venezuela of harboring high-ranking FARC and ELN guerillas.

“I am conscious of the tensions between the two countries. However all tensions or differences in opinion should be resolved first and foremost through dialogue, in a peaceful way, like good neighbors,” said Ban.

The dispute has seen Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez threaten Friday to break off all formal relations with his neighbor.

Speaking in Geneva after the third World Conference of Speakers of Parliament, the Korean offered the two states all the UN’s “technical support” necessary to resolve the crisis.

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