Western Hemisphere
"Venezuela does not want a war with a sister nation, and it will not accept a fratricidal war," said Information and Communications Minister Blanca Eekhout during a press conference at Miraflores Palace.

With regard to the conflict between the two countries, Eekhout stressed that Venezuela "has always looked for mechanisms to activate dialogue and holding meetings since it is the only way democracy can work."

She said that "with this conviction, we will defeat media lies and barbarity and we will achieve real peace and unity." She stated that Venezuela has been a victim of a (smear) campaign against the country and its President Hugo Chávez.

In the press conference, Eekhout was accompanied by a group of Colombians, who gave their testimonies about what they consider the reality of their country. They said that "they have found (in Venezuela) a place to live and progress, although they have never given up their Colombian citizenship."