Venezuela rejects Colombia’s claims that military helicopter violated its airspace

Venezuela denies violation of Colombia’s airspace

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuela denies one of its military helicopters strayed into Colombia’s airspace this week.

Venezuela’s foreign Minister, Nicolas Maduro, says Colombia’s allegations are unfounded.

Colombia claims a Venezuelan military helicopter flew over a Colombian army base Wednesday. Colombia’s foreign ministry demanded an explanation from President Hugo Chavez’s government, calling the incident unacceptable.

Maduro responded Thursday by accusing Colombia of lying.

Colombia and Venezuela have been feuding for months over an agreement giving U.S. soldiers expanded access to Colombian military bases.

Chavez claims a U.S. spy plane violated Venezuela’s airspace last month after taking off from Colombia. The U.S. denies it.