Tensions escalate after Venezuelan border closed

A CRISIS between three Latin American nations worsened yesterday when Venezuela said it was closing its border with Colombia, as diplomatic talks to stave off war were about to begin.

Venezuelan Agriculture Minister Elia Jaua said: “We have taken some measures, like closing the border.”.

The announcement aggravated a stand-off between Colombia and left-wing neighbours, Venezuela and Ecuador, triggered by a Colombian raid inside Ecuador to kill a senior FARC rebel commander.