By Jonathan M. Katz Associated Press SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- South America moved away from talk of war as the presidents of Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador agreed to end a bitter dispute triggered by a Colombian cross-border raid with testy handshakes and an apology.

By Andrew O Selsky SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic -- The presidents of Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela agreed Friday to resolve their angry recriminations over a cross-border Colombian commando raid, a crisis that has brought troop movements and talk of war.

By Frank Bajak BOGOTA, Colombia -- Colombia's president says he repeatedly asked Ecuador to deal with Colombian rebels operating from its territory before he ordered the cross-border raid that has set off an international crisis.

By Frances Robles, The Miami Herald Mar.

Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega said Thursday he was severing diplomatic ties with Colombia after Colombian forces killed a leftist rebel leader in Ecuador.