8-25-09, 9:34 am
Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in the U.S. Statement
The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Washington, DC categorically rejects the editorial 'The Advantages of Chavez,' published by the Washington Post today. Once again, this newspaper irresponsibly lashes against the government of President Hugo Chávez Frías and the glorious Venezuelan people. Unlike the unfounded allegations made by the newspaper, the Venezuelan government has consistently reiterated the lack of ties to Colombian guerrilla groups. The Washington Post continues to use the recent allegations about a cache of weapons allegedly found in FARC’s hands to justify the militarization of the armed conflict that for six decades has affected the sister Republic of Colombia, as well as the threatening and unjustified U.S. military presence in the region. This concern has been reiterated by most of the leaders of the member countries of UNASUR.
On several occasions, Venezuela has echoed calls for finding a negotiated political resolution to the Colombian conflict that leads to a lasting and positive peace for the benefit of the Colombian people and the region. The ongoing militarization responds to other interests and objectives that threaten the stability, peace, development and integration of the hemisphere.
Again, this newspaper abuses its privileged position and the trust of its readership in order to echo the voices of powerful sectors of the U.S. that once again vilify Venezuela and oppose the processes of change that are currently taking place in the region. These are the same voices that are nostalgic about Cold War policies toward Latin America, used to intervene and overthrow democratically elected governments, and that today oppose progressive governments that for the first time, in 200 years, are undertaking efforts to ensure the welfare of the majorities as well as South American integration. In this sense, the editorial completely ignores the strengthening of UNASUR as a regional integration system. The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela also rejects the meddling of this newspaper in the internal affairs of our country when it refers to the alleged closure of 32 radio stations. The Venezuelan government, making full use of its sovereignty, and searching for the democratization of the media, applied the law to 32 radio stations and 2 regional TV channels that were illegally using the public airwaves. In Venezuela, there is a vibrant communications sector that includes 872 radio and television stations that operate openly and in compliance with the law.
The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela ratifies once again its utter rejection of this gross campaign of disinformation and lies against the government of President Hugo Chávez Frias, while expressing its willingness to work with any government, within the frame of respect for the sovereignty of each nation, in the fight against common scourges which endanger peace and stability in the hemisphere.
Washington, D.C, August 24, 2009
