The Colombian government says it has postponed the scheduledrestoration of diplomatic ties with Ecuador because of what Colombiadescribes as offensive comments by the neighboring government. Ecuadorresponded by saying it may impose trade restrictions on Colombia.

Fernando Araujo, 06 Jun 2008

Tuesday'sannouncement by Colombia's Foreign Minister Fernando Araujo followsremarks by Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa, who said in a recentinterview that his country would be the one to set a timetable forre-establishing relations.

The comments come more than threemonths after Colombia staged a military strike against a Colombianleftist rebel camp on Ecuador's side of the border. The raid killed acommander of Colombia's FARC rebels.

Ties between the two countries were to have been restored this week.  

Colombiasays computer files found during the raid link Ecuador and Venezuela tothe FARC, a charge both countries deny. The United States, Colombiaand the European Union have designated the FARC as a terroristorganization.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, and Reuters.