Hugo Chavez tells army: Prepare for war

Venezuela’s president Hugo Chavez has told his armed forces to “prepare for war” with Columbia as diplomatic tensions between the two nations continue to worsen.

Mr Chavez announced the best way to avoid any conflict was to prepare for it.

Venezuela has blamed the crisis on Colombia’s closer military ties with the United States and the presence of US troops in the country’s military bases.

Colombia, however, has claimed the relationship is based on fighting the drug cartels and rebels, stating it will protest to the United Nations security council and the Organisation of American States about Mr Chavez’s comments.

During the weekend, the Venezuela president said in a national address: “Let’s not waste a day on our main aim: to prepare for war and to help the people prepare for war, because it is everyone’s responsibility.”

Reports suggest Mr Chavez has now ordered 15,000 troops to the border with Colombia.

Bogota denies the allegations it is acting in an aggressive manner, stating it is simply attempting to counter recent shootings and violence in the border regions.