The tensions between Colombia and neighbouring Venezuela have increased over the weekend.

In a newspaper interview the Colombian Minister of Defence, Gabriel Silva, said his country is preparing a strategy to ward off a military attack. Although he did not mention Venezuela by name, he said that up to now Colombia had concentrated on internal problems but that today the dangers facing his country came from outside its borders.

Colombia has already made known that it intends to build a new military base in the department of Guajira, on the north-eastern border with Venezuela.

Relations between Colombia and Venezuela have been tense for several months. Venezuela President Hugo Chávez has said he is not pleased that Colombia has sought close military ties with the United States.

Speaking in his weekly television programme on Sunday, Mr Chávez said Colombia would regret any operation directed at Venezuela. He added that his country had no plans for an attack on its neighbour.