Among the tributes coming in after Fidel Castro announced his resignation is one from Venezuelan Foreign Minister, Nicolas Maduro, who maintains that Fidel has been faithful to his mission to humanity. Fidel Castro has " fulfilled an historical role of the first order in the last 50 years of world history." Maduro made the affirmation during a visit to Argentina.
Communication & Information (Minci) Minister, Andres Izarra considers that the resignation will usher in a new process in the island's revolutionary structure.
Commenting on Castro's resignation, President Chavez says it is not a resignation but a decision to make way for others just before the elections. "Unfortunately, Fidel has not recovered enough to occupy high-up posts of the revolution and I consider that the decision is a gesture of personal disinterestedness." It is also an answer, Chavez insists, to those proclaiming that Fidel wants to remain in power eternally.
Brazilian theologian and personal friend of Fidel Castro, Frei Betto says Fidel Castro has preferred to remain outside government activities and take part in a public debate, something which he has always enjoyed, writing articles in the media. However, he will continue to be a member of the Communist Party's political bureau. According to the clergyman, who frequently visits Cuba and meets top Cuban officials and students, the resignation does not mean the beginning of the end of Socialism in Cuba as many think ... "there are no symptoms that significant sectors of Cuban society want a return to Capitalism, not even among Cuban bishops." Betto forecasts changes in Cuba once the USA lifts its trade embargo, releases five Cubans unjustly imprisoned in Florida and returns Guantanamo, which it is using as a clandestine prison, much to world disgust.
Communications & Information (Minci) Minister, Andres Izarra has called on the opposition 20/7 news TV Channel Globovision to stop disrespecting the President of the Republic. Speaking during his radio program, "Communication in Times of Revolution" from a community radio in Petare Caracas, Izarra has called on the board of directors of the private channel to analyze the news it is transmitting day by day to avoid committing the same errors as in the past. Stop offending us! is the Minister's message because he maintains that it shows that the private channel is desperate, as it loses credibility. The radio program is a new initiative of the Minister and is seen as an effort to boost the community and alternative radio system. The broadcast from a Petare alternative radio is the second of its kind. Addressing local affairs, the Minister states that crime in Petare dropped 34% in January and he highlights the importance of security plans and joint action of communal councils which, he claims, have been decisive in the drop of crime. Alternative media have also played an important part in public security, the Minister maintains, because inhabitants go to the radio station requesting security measures. Colectivo Radiofonico de Petare started broadcasting in November 2001.
President Chavez has met France's Minister for Foreign and European Affairs, Bernal Bernard Koucher in Miraflores to discuss the humanitarian exchange process between the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC) of Colombia. Despite denials from Colombia, Venezuela continues to play an important role in the release of hostages and it has been announced that a fourth hostage could be released, along with the other three former Colombian Congressmen. The handover has been delayed after allegations from the FARC that the Colombian military is engaged in operational activities around the zone where the hostages were to be handed over. In the latest news update, Colombian Senator, Piedad Cordoba has denied any statement regarding the possible release of the fourth hostage stating that the wife of a former Colombian Senator held hostage misunderstood a telephone conversation.
Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com
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