Marco Rubio, Secretary of State American, warned during his recent visit to Colombia about the presence of Colombian armed groups in Venezuela. He assured that there are still not sufficient security guarantees in that territory.
The official, who met with the Colombian president Abelardo De La Espriella During one of the first stops on his tour, he addressed relations between Colombia and Venezuela, with special emphasis on national security challenges.
“We have the ELN and FARC dissidents operating with impunity openly in Venezuelan territory,” he said in statements to Radio Cadena Nacional.
“This has been happening for more than 10 or 15 years. That has to be solved. It has been made clear to the interim authorities in Venezuela and I think that is going to be key in improving the relationship between the two countries,” Rubio said.
He revealed that Donald Trump’s administration has already spoken with the interim government of Delcy Rodríguez about the camps of the ELN and other Colombian narcoterrorist groups in Venezuela, the Colombian newspaper reported. The Time.
About the possibility of bombing ELN locations responded: “That has been discussed not only with the interim government, but it will be discussed with the new democratic government of Venezuela, because without a doubt this threat must be faced, and it has to be quickly. This threat cannot continue.”
The Secretary of State also expressed that no country can allow criminal gangs to operate with impunity on the other side of the border. He warned that they are terrorists who attack in national territory and then cross the border for protection.
Regarding possible US participation in Colombia, he clarified that any intervention will depend on the country’s authorities.
“They have to invite us because this is a sovereign country and the decision has to be made by the Colombian people through their elected politicians. What there is no doubt about is that we are going to collaborate with Colombia,” he commented.
Rubio’s visit to Colombia concluded on Tuesday with two framework agreements on rare earths and civil use of nuclear energy.
