Western Hemisphere
Colombian President Álvaro Uribe reiterated that his government is as "determined" to defeat terrorism as it is to "seek agreements" with all its neighboring countries "especially with brotherly countries," referring to the differences he has with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez.

Uribe made these statements during the closing session of the Annual Meeting of the Colombian-Venezuelan Chamber of Commerce. The Colombian ruler also referred to the mediation process carried out by Dominican President Leonel Fernández, as part of a plan to foster rapprochement between Bogotá and Caracas, Efe reported.

"We have to be determined to defeat terrorism and violence, but we must also be firm to seek agreements with all countries, especially with our brotherly countries," Uribe said.

"We will continue working (on mediation efforts)," the Colombian Head of State said. He added that the "doors are open for dialogue," and Colombia is willing to reach agreements with brotherly countries.