Venezuela's Chavez warns Colombia amid tensions

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez warned Colombia against provoking a conflict, saying any attack on his country would trigger a reaction.

Chavez insisted he wants peace during a speech Friday night but raised the possibility of a conflict, saying his top generals were constantly evaluating the situation along the Colombian border and that he was in contact with commanders at border posts to make sure they don't "fall for provocations."

"Imagine a war between Colombia and Venezuela. That would be something to cry over for a hundred years," Chavez said. "But you understand that if we are attacked, we aren't going to stay with our arms crossed.
"Chavez announced he was breaking off diplomatic relations with the neighboring country on Thursday and placed his military on alert, accusing Colombia's U.S.-allied government of fabricating evidence showing Colombian rebel bases inside Venezuela.