Trade slows on Venezuela-Colombia border amid spat

CARACAS, Venezuela -- Trade is slowing along Venezuela's border with Colombia because of a slowdown by inspectors amid a diplomatic dispute, causing shortages of some foods in western Venezuela, business leaders said Friday.

Isidoro Teres, a representative of Venezuela's largest business chamber, said trade is "semi-paralyzed" because Venezuelan inspectors are implementing what he called "a turtle operation," a local phrase referring to a deliberate work slowdown.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez raised the possibility of freezing trade between the two South American neighbors this week in response to Colombia's allegations that anti-tank weapons found in a rebel arms cache came from Venezuela.

Colombian President Alvaro Uribe complained over the weekend that anti-tank rocket launchers sold to Venezuela's military by Sweden during the 1980s were obtained by leftist rebels in Colombia. Sweden confirmed the weapons were sold to Venezuela.

Chavez responded to Uribe's remarks by recalling his ambassador to Colombia. He also threatened to sever diplomatic ties completely, freeze commerce and expropriate Colombian-owned businesses if Bogota levels any more accusations against his government.

Jose Rozo, president of a business chamber in the frontier state of Tachira, told The Associated Press that some foods have become scarce in the border cities of San Antonio and Urena. Among other products, Venezuela imports beef, chicken, eggs and vegetables from Colombia.

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