The National Assembly (AN) has upheld the ban preventing politicians disqualified for having taken part in criminal or anti-state activities from running as candidates in the upcoming regional elections. Podemos party leader, Ismael Garcia criticized the ban as a "political arm against the opposition." United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) deputy, Carlos Escarra called the 400 disqualified politicos " thieves," pointing out that they are responsible for having committed irregularities against public patrimony. Garcia replies that if they are thieves, then why haven't the been sentenced and imprisoned. The ban imposed and ratified by Comptroller General, Clodosbaldo Russian was passed by a majority in the house. One of the disqualified politicians, Chacao Mayor Leopoldo Lopez says his passport was taken from him and his wife at Simon Bolivar international airport at Maiquetia when he returned from a visit to the USA where he was campaigning against the ban. While in Washington, Lopez managed to hold a meeting with US presidential candidate, Obama Barack. After two hours of waiting, the passports were returned but no explanation given for the hassle.
According to Communication & Information (Minci) Minister, Andres Izarra the Venezuelan government will propose the setting up of a radio station and a news exchange network at the next meeting of information ministers belonging to the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries. Venezuela will host the meeting on Margarita Island on July 2-4. At a press conference to inform about the event, Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro insists that the domination of mainstream news networks must be broken and information and communication de-colonized. Izarra reports that 118 member countries are working together and seeking agreements that will benefit communication. 73 delegations have confirmed their assistance, of which 43 will come with ministerial representation and 11 represented by deputy ministers. The new news agency will have its base in Malaysia and Venezuela will be on the editorial committee.
Brazil's President Lula da Silva is in Caracas today to meet President Chavez and review bilateral projects currently in motion. A Venezuelan Foreign Ministry communique states that the meeting is part of a three- monthly work schedule. Minister Maduro calls the meeting positive and hails its mechanisms that allow the two countries to advance in bilateral cooperation and political confidence, as well as intensifying cooperation to push forward regional projects.
Executive Vice President Ramon Carrizalez is currently visiting Russia and says the motive of the visit is to strengthen relations of cooperation between the two countries. The Vice President is accompanied by Defense Minister, General (G-i-C) Gustavo Rangel Briceno, Deputy Foreign Minister for Europe, Alejandro Fleming, Deputy Finance Minister Gustavo Hernandez and Basic Industry & Mining Deputy Minister Jesus Paredes. It has been announced that Venezuela will purchase 4 more Sukhoi-30 fighter planes for the Venezuelan Air Force (FAV).
Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com
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