Colombia border clash kills two

[IndianaGreen]

This story has the smell of CIA paramilitaries and their goons written all over it!

Where in the world is Otto Reich today?

Last Updated: Sunday, 28 December, 2003, 02:52 GMT
Colombia border clash kills two
By Jeremy McDermott
BBC correspondent in Colombia

There have been border clashes between Colombian right-wing paramilitaries and the Venezuelan National Guard.

Two Venezuelan soldiers were killed in the combat, but there is a dispute about where the incident occurred, worsening already tense relations.

The Venezuelans insist they fired on paramilitaries who refused to stop at a checkpoint on the Venezuelan side.

The Colombians are saying the combat occurred on their soil and that Venezuelan troops crossed the border.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/3351931.stm

[bemildred]

1. I certainly hope Hugo is artful enough to avoid

getting in a war with these "paramilitaries". I think
you are right that this is an intentional provocation.
Uribe needs some distractions, and Hugo cannot be allowed
to continue his reforms in tranquility.

[nohopewithnodope]

2. Is bush to blame for the killing of leftist freedom fighters?

If not how can we pin this on him? The Chaves freedom fighters must prevail and we can't allow bush to shut them down. How can we support the Chaves leftists and keep bush from making them out to be the bad guys?