Colombia's ambassador to Ecuador Carlos Holguin formally left Ecuador's capital Quito on Tuesday following Monday's decision by Ecuador to break off diplomatic relations with Colombia.
Speaking to domestic media immediately before leaving, Holguin said "given the decisions that have been taken, we are returning to Colombia right away," adding that he would speak to Colombian President Alvaro Uribe later on Tuesday.
Ecuador broke off relations with Colombia and moved soldiers to Venezuela's border with Colombia after a Colombian attack in Ecuador which killed 21 guerrillas from Colombia's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
"I have faith that this matter can been sorted out, very soon I hope, and that both nations can follow a path of understanding and dialogue which will allow a shared benefits," Holguin told media on Tuesday. He added that Colombia had always thought of Ecuador as a brother nation, and continues to do so.
The rupture leaves hanging matters like the planned signing of a cross-border economic integration area and plans to treat and improve the living conditions for Colombian refugees in Ecuador.
"I am leaving with my conscience clear," Holguin added, saying that his exit was not due to poor performance on his part and that trade relations, which he described as "very mature," will continue between the two nations.
Also on Tuesday, Ecuador's President Alvaro Uribe began a tour of Peru, Brazil, Venezuela, Panama and the Dominican Republic, to give his point of view about the crisis.
Separately on Tuesday, Venezuela's diplomatic authorities said in a statement that Venezuela's embassy staff completed their return home.
The return comes two days' after Venezuelans President Hugo Chavez ordered the closure of Colombia's embassy, in support of Ecuador's position. Twelve returned home on Sunday and five more did so on Monday.
Venezuela had already withdrawn its ambassador to Colombia, Pavel Rondon, on Nov. 27 last year after announcing a freeze on diplomatic relations with Colombia. Venezuela said Colombia does not respect the sovereignty of other nations in its war with its rebels.
Source:Xinhua
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