Economy
Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez reported that the imports from Colombia will be replaced with purchases from Argentina, but he did not specify any trade agreements that his government would sign with the Southern Cone country.

"We will increase food purchases from Argentina. It is safer. They are a friendly government and we can cut our dependence from Colombia," Chávez said on Wednesday.

The agreements to replace Colombian goods will be made soon. On Thursday, a Venezuelan government delegation travelled to Argentina to finalize the details of the trade deals. The delegation includes Food Minister Félix Osorio, Minister of Agriculture and Lands Elías Jaua and Minister of Trade Eduardo Samán.

President Chávez added that his government would halt the import of 10,000 vehicles from Colombia. "We were going to import 10,000 cars… Zero. Particularly heavy-duty vehicles," he added.

Venezuela can also import products from Brazil, "where we are treated fairly," said President Chávez at a press conference with foreign correspondents.

The Venezuela Head of State added that Ecopetrol SA, Colombia's state- controlled oil company, will not have any role in the development of the Orinoco Oil Belt.

Meanwhile, businesspersons of both Colombia and Venezuela marched near the border between Venezuela and Colombia and made a call for peace, with the motto "the border must be respected." The Venezuelan National Guard tried to prevent journalists and cameramen from covering the protests.