The Colombian government announced on Monday it will launch a "shock" plan to mitigate the economic impacts of the diplomatic crisis in the border region.
U.S. State Department spokesman Phillip Crowley said on Monday that the United States has "no intention of engaging a military action against Venezuela," calling on Venezuela to "engage directly."
Cuba has said it backed Venezuela's rights of self-defense in case of a war.
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and leaders in the region have been trying to mediate the crisis between the two countries, with Bolivian President Evo Morales calling on Saturday for an emergency meeting of South American presidents to resolve a stand-off.
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Venezuelan president threatens to cut off U.S. oil in Colombia dispute
CARACAS, July 25 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez threatened on Sunday to cut off oil supplies to the United States if his country was attacked by U.S.-backed Colombia in a dispute over allegations that Venezuela provides a haven for Colombian guerrillas. Full story
Venezuela breaks off diplomatic ties with Colombia
CARACAS, July 22 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez announced Thursday that his country breaks off the diplomatic relations with Colombia.
"For dignity we do not have other option but to sever diplomatic ties with Colombia," Chavez said after Colombia presented to the Organization of American States (OAS) the accusations about the alleged presence of Colombian guerrilla chiefs in Venezuelan territory. Full story
