Venezuela issues warning to Colombia

CARACAS, Venezuela, March 9 (UPI) -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said his country is prepared for war with Colombia in the event of any provocation.

Chavez said Venezuela's military is at the ready and prepared for any act of aggression or violation of Venezuela's sovereignty on the part of the Colombian military, El Nacional reported Monday.

The leftist Venezuelan leader's remarks followed those of Colombian Foreign Minister Juan Manuel Santos, who said Colombia would continue its policy of pursuing leftist Colombian rebels even if they cross into a neighboring country.

Venezuela has been accused of protecting rebel groups, an accusation Chavez denies.

Last year, Colombia angered its neighbor Ecuador when Colombian troops pursued rebels across the dense jungle border to a camp on Ecuadorian soil.