Colombia, Venezuela to restore diplomatic ties

The presidents of Colombia and Venezuela say they will restore diplomatic relations severed 20 days ago by Caracas.

The presidents of Colombia and Venezuela say they will restore diplomatic relations severed 20 days ago by Caracas.

HT Image

Colombia's newly elected leader, Juan Manuel Santos, and Venezuela's Hugo Chavez made the announcement on Tuesday after meeting in the city of Santa Marta on Colombia's Caribbean coast.

Santos, who took office on Saturday, said the presidents "decided that the two countries will re-establish diplomatic relations." Chavez severed ties with Colombia on July 22.

That came after the government of Santos' predecessor, Alvaro Uribe, publicly presented photos, videos and maps of what it said were Colombian rebel camps inside Venezuela. Chavez accused of Uribe of trying to stir up a conflict in his final days in office.