Worst conflict in decades resolved

[Mark]

At a regional summit on Friday the worst conflict in Latin America in decades subsided after Colombian President Uribe addressed both President Correa from Ecuador and President Chávez from Venezuela.

Overview

The crisis starts when Colombia invades Ecuadorian territory on March 1 to launch an attack on a camp settlement of the FARC. Raúl Reyes, leader of the FARC and 15 other members are killed during the raid.

President Correa denounces the operation as "scandalous" and an "aggression". President Chávez sends tanks and troops to the Colombian border. Both Ecuador and Venezuela stop all diplomatic relations with Colombia.

Colombia defends its action and states that President Correa has ties with the FARC and that President Chávez recently donated 300 million dollars to the FARC.

The UN urges restraint (whatever that means). A meeting takes place where Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela accuse each other.

Colombia's counter-insurgency tactics are denounced in protests on the streets of various Latin American cities.

On Friday, March 7, a regional meeting takes place. Colombia holds on its accusation that Ecuador supports the FARC by allowing them to camp in Ecuadorian territory.

Finally the region's worst spat in decades subsides. The leaders of Ecuador, Venezuela and Colombia shake hands. The delegates applause, the matter is declared "resolved".


Best wishes,

Mark