Chavez-Uribe Row

Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez and Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe have been in conflict many times. The most recent instance was triggered by a meeting between Chavez and leaders from the rebel group FARC in October 2007. The discord between the two leaders reached a new level when Columbia entered into Ecuadorian territory on March 1, 2008.

Fast Facts

1. Colombia: United States strongest ally in Latin America
2. Venezuela: United States biggest critic
3. Venezuela and Colombia are each others' largest trading partners¹
4. June 8, 2008: Chavez told FARC to release hostages and give up their fight²

Ecuador Incursion Conflict

In Columbia's Ecuadorian incursion in March 2008, the Columbian military killed FARC rebel Raul Reyes. They also acquired several laptop computers that contain evidence that both Hugo Chavez and Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa have been cooperating with FARC. All countries involved sent troops to their borders. In mid-March, 2008, Uribe pledged never to make another similar over-border incursion, and Chavez and Uribe agreed to end their latest disagreement and strengthen relations.

Previous Chavez-Uribe Issues

In 2005, Chavez and Uribe did battle when former FARC member Rodrigo Granda, a Venezuelan national, was kidnapped from Caracas. Chavez froze commercial relations with Colombia and demanded a public apology, but none was forthcoming. Tensions escalated for almost two months. In February 2005, after a four-hour meeting, the two leaders agreed to reopen commercial relations and reinforce security along their borders. Uribe also agreed to respect Venezuelan sovereignty.

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