Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Patrick J. O'Donoghue's round up of news from Venezuela -- September 24, 2008

The Inter American Human Rights Commission (IAHRC) has condemned the expulsion from Venezuela of Jose Miguel Vivanco, executive director of the Washington-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) NGO. In the declaration, the IAHRC states that the expulsion affects the right of freedom of expression of HRW representatives and is a "sign of intolerance to criticisms, which are essential in any democracy." Vivanco and HRW sub-director, Daniel Wilkinson were expelled from Venezuela last week after delivering a press conference announcing the results of a 230-page document against the Venezuelan government's human rights record. Instead of returning to Washington, the two flew to Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) has condemned an attack on the offices of 24-hour news outlet, Globovision. It would appear that an organisation called the La Piedrita Collective based in the Caracas 23 de Enero district is responsible for the vandalism resulting from 2 tear gas bombs. The PSUV questions the participation of pro-government sympathizers belonging to the collective and queries about what they hoped to achieve. The party maintains that investigations into a plot to assassinate President Chavez and mount a coup d'etat involves Globovision director, Alberto Federico Ravell and other media bosses. Mr. Ravell, the PSUV insists, must answer to Venezuelan justice democratically and within the rule of law. Globovision, the communique continues, constantly spreads violence through its news and editorial policy and in fairness cannot put itself up as a standard bearer of impartiality.

Interior & Justice Minister Tarek El Aissami says the Police Detective Branch (CICPC) is working on the attack against the 24-hour news TV station, Globo vision. Early news reports indicate that two tear gas explosives were let off outside the building. The Minister made the statement during a visit to the National Assembly where he presented new proof on suspects who allegedly plotted an alleged conspiracy to assassinate President Chavez.

According to a report in Aporrea.org, National Assembly (AN) first deputy president, Mario Isea has confirmed that some of the alleged conspirators plotting against the Venezuelan government held several meetings in Europe. The information was supplied to the National Assembly by Interior & Justice (MIJ) Minister Tarik El Aissami showing further involvement of alleged conspirators. The Minister contends that he has collected information from various sources coinciding with frequent meetings in European countries, Colombia and the United States.

Before leaving office, President George W. Bush wants to reinvent himself as the champion of freedom by bringing together so-called political dissidents from countries, such as Venezuela, Cuba, Russia, China, North Korea, Burma and of course, Tibet. Bush is organizing a State dinner for the dissident politicians and will discuss with them on " how to advance in the agenda of freedom and protection of rights and dignities of all peoples." The owner and director of Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), Marcel Granier will represent Venezuela as fully-blown dissident. Two years ago, the Venezuelan government refused to renew the license of RCTV and Granier decided to continue broadcasting as a cable TV service. RCTV International is mentioned among the groups planning to overthrow President Chavez in recent revelations after the arrest of several military officers.

During his official visit to China, President Chavez has announced the signing of several agreements that will see the supply of Venezuelan oil to China rising from 331,000 bpd to one million within a four-year period. The two nations have agreed to inject $6 billion (China $4 billion and Venezuela $2 billion) into a fund to finance joint ventures. Chavez has also stated that he will not attend the United Nations session arguing that it is more important to him to be in China than in New York.

Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com

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Venezuela is facing the most difficult period of its history with honest reporters crippled by sectarianism on top of rampant corruption within the administration and beyond, aided and abetted by criminal forces in the US and Spanish governments which cannot accept the sovereignty of the Venezuelan people to decide over their own future.

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