Putin engages Chavez for ending South American political crisis

Moscow, Mar 7 (UNI) Russian President Vladimir Putin had a telephonic conversation with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez, expressing the hope for a political solution to the South American crisis.

''In relation to the tension that currently exists in the northern part of the South American continent, the Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed the hope that all sides would make every effort to find a political and diplomatic solution to the disputes,'' the Kremlin press service said, adding the telephonic talks between Mr Putin and Mr Chavez took place at the initiative of the Venezuelan side.

Russia earlier this week urged Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela to avoid escalating tensions after Colombian forces crossed into Ecuador and killed a senior rebel commander.

Venezuela President Chavez warned that war could break out if Colombia struck on Venezuelan soil.

Mr Chavez also talked with Russia's President-elect Dmitry Medvedev.

''Mr Medvedev and Mr Chavez expressed their firm intention to continue developing versatile cooperation based on the groundwork laid in recent years, and agreed to exchange visits in the future,'' Mr Medvedev's office reported.

UNI XC SZ MIR KP1355