Ecuador and Colombia resume commercial relations

Caracas, Venezuela, 7 June 2008. Yesterday, the commercial bilateral relation between Colombia and Ecuador was resumed at chargé d´affaires only. They were severed as the result of the diplomtic rupture that followed a regional crisis created by Colombia. Bogotá sent military and police force over Colombian territory and invaded Ecuador to destroy a FARC camp. During the atack 26 people died including FARC No 2 leader, Raul Reyes, and an Ecuadorian citizen. Since that incident diplomatic relations between Bogotá and Quito have been brought to a halt. Despite efforts made by OAS and other regional mechanism they have not been resumed. Only after the diplomatic mediation of ex American President Jimmy Carter, have both countries agreed to start approaching again.But only for the sake of commerce. Political angry exchanges continue to occur at varios international instances.

After the commercial resumption, Ecudor stated it would not talarate any regular or institutional incursion on its territory. However, on Friday there was a confrontation between Ecuadorian military forces and FARC.  

Sources: VTV, BBC Mundo, Tal Cual, YVKE, Telesur, El Mundo.es, Carter Center, PrInside, Aljazeera, El Comercio,      

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