Venezuela Reopens Colombia Border

7/19/2016 3:31:00 AM

(MENAFN- Qatar News Agency) Caracas, July 18 (QNA) - Venezuela has opened its border with Colombia for the second time this month to allow people to cross over to shop for basic foods and medicines.
Last week 35,000 crossed over for the first time since the border was closed a year ago by President Nicolas Maduro to fight cross-border crime, according to the (BBC).
Officials said at least 100,000 entered Colombia over the weekend.
Many basic goods are in short supply in Venezuela because of a severe economic crisis in the country.The border across a pedestrian bridge connecting Tachira in Venezuela and Cucuta in Colombia opened on Saturday, a day earlier than authorities from both countries had previously announced.
Officials said they wanted to avoid the build-up of too many people.
Venezuela has suffered severe shortages for months as a result of the falling price of oil which is the country's prime source of income.
The opposition blames the government for the economic crisis, saying its policies have left businesses unable to import raw materials and essential parts.
President Maduro has said his government is the victim of a economic war.
He ordered the border to be closed in August 2015 after former Colombian paramilitaries attacked a Venezuelan military patrol and wounded three soldiers. (QNA)

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