Uribe and Chavez hail 'new era'

BBC

President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela and his Colombian counterpart Alvaro Uribe say they want to promote closer ties, after months of political tension.

Speaking after a one-day meeting in Venezuela, Mr Chavez said that a new era of co-operation was dawning.

For his part, Mr Uribe said the two countries could resolve their disputes.

Relations hit their lowest point in March, when Mr Chavez sent troops to the border following a Colombian raid against a rebel camp inside Ecuador.

Analysts say improving links will be of political and economic benefit to both.

Although the two countries are major trading partners, relations have suffered because their two leaders come from opposite ends of the political spectrum.......