Cúcuta Crisis: “The Border Should Remain Closed" Because of Smuggling, Extortion and Vandalism

Freddy Bernal, protector of the state of Táchira, reiterated through his account on Twitter that the Colombian-Venezuelan border must remain closed.

He indicated that the measure should remain taking into account that the zone “is destined for contraband, extortion and vandalism”.

In his opinion, this is “an attack of all existing forms against our economy, embezzling our homeland.”

His words were accompanied by a letter from Fenalco (Colombian Retailers Federation), referring to the closure of this border area where this federation demanded that the Colombian government “take the necessary measures taking into account some economic behaviors that concern the community.”

It is important to highlight that other experts said that the whole border area including the Venezuelan zone is affected because there is a symbiosis necessary for a healthy economy in both areas. From the Venezuelan side the option of getting products from Colombia is also needed and allowing the normal crossing of people through the border for multiple reasons. But most experts agree that while security threats coming from Colombia remain, the border should remain closed.

He aquí algunos de los motivos por los cuales la frontera colombo-venezolana debe permanecer cerrada. Es mi opinión, pues la misma es destinada al contrabando, extorsión y vandalismo, han atentado de todas las formas existentes contra nuestra economía desfalcando nuestra patria. pic.twitter.com/A1zwcjKmLJ
— Freddy Bernal (@FreddyBernal) March 4, 2019