June 30, 2006
Venezuela and Colombia to beat poverty

(Prensa Latina) - "The Venezuela-Colombia Comission for Integration and Border Affairs will elaborate a program to fight poverty in the border areas, including employment, education, security, and health, an official source announced.

A Venezuelan Customs and Tax System (SENIAT) communique announced that the decision emerged after a meeting between that institution's General Supervisor Jose Gregorio Vielma and Bogota Ambassador to Caracas Enrique Vargas.

Vielma said they expect to count on Fomento Andean Commission financing for this project, and to start a monitoring test to turn the people of the bordering areas into actors of their welfare.

The diplomat highlighted that this project is essential for both nations, because both countries´ bordering areas receive the least investment proportion.

Vielma stated that a binational attitude is necessary to fight poverty, in the search for health and welfare for a rather unprivileged population.

Vargas said this plan follows a guideline given by both States´ presidents in a meeting held in Santa Marta, Colombia, on December 17, 2005".