Former Colombian President Alvaro Uribe called on Venezuelan opposition politicians Thursday to denounce ties between his successor, Juan Manuel Santos, and Hugo Chavez.
Speaking to members of the anti-Chavez Democratic Unity Board (MEU) in Bogota, Uribe said they should demand that Colombian leader Santos explain his closeness to his Venezuelan counterpart.
Uribe, who’s become increasingly alienated from his successor and former ally, said, “I am worried for the government of Colombia in the face of Venezuela.”
The meeting’s objective was to solidify support against Chavez’s run for re-election next year, but Uribe took the opportunity to ask Venezuelan politicians to criticize Santos.
Speaking on trade relations between the two countries, Uribe added, “President Santos, we are confused, how do you give more weight to 800 million pesos ($410,400) or 400 ($205,200) than to democratic values? Democratic values have no price.”
The former president suggested that the opposition group publish a manifesto before Santos visits Venezuela on November 28.