"Make the economy scream"

[Bacchus4.0]

5. Chavez suspends trade with Colombia

We have no other choice but, out of dignity, to totally break our relations with our brother nation of Colombia," Chavez said as he hosted Argentine soccer idol Diego Maradona.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro said he had ordered the closing of Venezuela's embassy in Bogota and gave the Colombian mission 72 hours to leave. He said Caracas was considering other measures, such as suspending flights.

Chavez, who portrays himself as an anti-U.S. and anti-capitalist standard bearer in Latin America, faces an opposition challenge in September 26 legislative elections and has ramped up his rhetoric against perceived foes. Critics say he is trying to distract attention from economic and other woes.



http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/07/23/us-colombia-venezuela-idUSTRE66L4JZ20100723