Colombia claims Venezuelan military helicopter violated its airspace
By APWednesday, January 27, 2010
Bogota rejects alleged violation of its airspace
BOGOTA — Colombia claims a Venezuelan military helicopter violated its airspace, and the government of President Alvaro Uribe wants an explanation from its South American neighbor.
Colombia’s foreign ministry plans to send a letter of protest to Venezuela.
The ministry says a Venezuelan military helicopter flew over a Colombian army base in the city of Arauca. It calls Wednesday’s incident unacceptable.
Colombia and Venezuela have been feuding for months over an agreement giving U.S. soldiers expanded access to Colombian military bases.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez says the deal poses a threat to his country. He has said U.S. planes violated Venezuela’s airspace recently after taking off from Colombia and Aruba. The U.S. denies it.
