Venezuela has broken off diplomatic relations with Colombia and ordered Colombian diplomats to leave the country by Sunday. President Hugo Chavez said he had “no choice” after Colombia accused Venezuela of being a haven for guerrillas – a charge he denies. Read the full story

President Hugo Chavez has ordered a review of Venezuela’s ties with the Vatican amid tensions between his government and the country’s bishops. Read the full story

The Asian superpower is becoming a major economic player in the USA’s backyard, travel through pretty much any country in Latin America and you see the influence: a football stadium for Costa Rica, scholarships for Venezuela, a car factory for Uruguay, billion-dollar loans for Brazil. All from China. Read the full story

President Hugo Chavez said Venezuela arrested eight Colombians as suspected spies and charged that several carried identification indicating they are members of neighbouring Colombia’s military. Read the full story

A new US assessment of Venezuela’s oil reserves could give the country double the supplies of Saudi Arabia. Scientists working for the US Geological Survey say Venezuela’s Orinoco belt region holds twice as much petroleum as previously thought. Read the full story