Friday, February 29, 2008
Italy's Eni to invest $4bn in Venezuela
President Hugo Chavez Urges Revolutionary Discipline
He mentioned on Venezolana de Television Thursday that groups might have accepted "Chavism without Chavez" in good faith, being unaware they were being played by right wingers and imperialism. His warning is connected to suspicions that anarchist groups could have been involved with the recent explosion of several bombs.
United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) legislator Julio Garcia Jarpa called this the result of infiltration of some revolutionary organizations.
The CIA could have succeeded in influencing some anarchist groups in isolated actions, as it did with students and some unions in the early days of the peaceful revolution.
In his view, they began nine years back to try and penetrate mass organizations, but so far their efforts to stop the process of changes have failed.
The legislator compared current events to Chile under President Salvador Allende, when a sector of the alliance was lured by the thesis of spontaneous struggle and deserted the Socialist Party. But we are better prepared and "the people's strength, wisdom, faith and hope in the struggle for a better future have been stronger than US intelligence penetration power.
Pétition : Oppose ExxonMobil action against Venezuela
'Death seems a sweet option,' says Colombian hostage
Judo teacher gets 10 years for sex crimes ... admitted having sex with the girl while at competitions in Venezuela
Oil hits record high above 103 dollars
'This was part of a broad-based commodities run based on the continued weakness of the dollar,' said Petromatrix analyst Olivier Jakob. A weak US currency boosts demand for dollar-denominated raw materials such as crude oil because it makes them cheaper for buyers using stronger currencies. The increased demand, if it outstrips the fall in the currency, leads to higher prices.
PDVSA says Exxon's asset freeze based on fantasy
He said this argument was 'simply economically and financially illiterate.'
China Steps Forward as Venezuela`s Key Oil Buyer
UK North-east firms urged to seize market opportunities in Venezuela
Exxon Called `Forum-Shopping Tourists' by PDVSA in Asset Case
Venezuela's central bank raised interest rates on credit cards and savings deposits
ExxonMobil Asset Freeze Claim Should Be Smaller
Patrick J. O'Donoghue's round-up of news from Venezuela
Executive Vice President Ramon Carrizalez has appeared before the National Assembly (AN) to give an update on government progress. Carrizalez has highlighted the government's new policy of university inclusion, the building of 406 Centers of Integral Diagnosis (CDI), housing solutions for more than 136,000 families and the seizure of 15,000 tonnes of food in special operations to fight shortages and hoarding. Other successes he lists include the setting up of a National Milk Fund, Petroleos de Venezuela's PDVAL food distribution chain and the re-launching of the Mercal food store program. The PDVAL network, Carrizalez has told deputies, is now distributing 150,000 tonnes of food with the logistical aid of the Venezuelan Armed Force (FAN). The AN has also heard that the obligatory agricultural banking portfolio has increased from 14 to 21% and the Central Bank of Venezuela (BCV) has readjusted agricultural rates from 17% to 15%, while producers of black beans have been given fiscal incentives. Carrizalez cites the setting up of a single gateway for companies importing to speed up red tape. Detailing improvements in health, the Vice President points to the building of 406 CDIs, 493 rehabilitation rooms and 13 high technology medical centers. The number of poor people in Venezuela has been reduced to 40%, the Minister claims, and he urges the National Assembly to open a debate on higher education and the education ministry's proposal to include more youngsters from the poorer sectors of society into the university system.
President Chavez has called the Colombian government's position on the humanitarian exchange " disappointing" and insists that the " humanist forces of the world will make it abandon its hard-line position." Speaking on VTV state television, the President says that it would appear that the Colombian government is in a time warp but that a proposal to set up an international group supported by an important number of Latin American and European governments will force Bogota to join the mainstream of opinion regarding a humanitarian exchange agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
Yesterday, Colombian Interior Minister, Carlos Holguin declared yesterday that his government would not demilitarize two southeastern municipalities to pave the way for a final exchange of hostages for prisoners. What is not yet known is whether the Colombian government has released Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) prisoners as part of the exchange program. The rebels have released 8 hostages. President Chavez has also defended the FARC's position on the Colombian government because he declares that they do not believe in the good intentions of successive governments for historical reasons. However, Chavez has made it clear that if the FARC wants Venezuela to remain outside of negotiations, we would continue to support the process from the outside.
Speaking on a VTV state television program, President Chavez has made important comments on some of the political currents and opinions inside the Bolivarian movement, calling for some tendencies and ideas to be confronted, which, he states, are absurd at this stage of the process, causing divisions and raising barriers among popular forces. The President recalls his speech at the plenary session of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) foundation congress where he highlighted the emergence of divisions, expulsions, assassinations after Bolivar spent 15 years of revolutionary warfare and crossed the Andes as leader. " What must be defended as one defends life itself is union ... I am the first defender of freedom of opinion and auto-criticism but an auto-criticism that is responsible and really revolutionary and constructive."
After leaving prison in 1994, Chavez remembers, he recalls that he met with almost all of the Venezuelan Left among which there were some groups at the time that rejected the topic of power, proposing an anti-power, that everything should be horizontal with coordinating committees etc., something he says he has never understood. Chavez argues that perhaps because of his military formation he believes that in a war there has to be a plan, a command structure, leadership and discipline.
Continuing his take on the internal debate, Chavez maintains that since the December 2 elections the thesis of "Chavism without Chavez" has been bandied around and the view that that " we in government are no longer a constituent power but part of the constituted power ... that they are the constituent power and we do not deserve to be part of the popular debate." Battling that idea, Chavez calls the current of opinion dangerous and right- wing. A clear example, he thunders, was Wednesday's pro-government march, which he dubs " anarchist." The Bolivarian Movement, Chavez concludes, should now start debating anarchism.
Referring to the latest developments inside the PSUV, Chavez says he has received a list of 70 members proposed for the national leadership, among whom are Aristobulo Isturiz and Carlos Escarra. The President has expressed the hope that those elected will include equal divisions between men and women and that youth will be given a chance. Chavez has reiterated that the most important aspect that must be dealt with now internally is discipline.
Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez is the new peace hero in Colombia
Venezuela´s Oil Minister Rafael Ramirez calls Foul on Exxon
Ramirez, also the PDVSA chairman, told journalists that legal teams are working on the presentation of the case before London courts. Exxon's harassment threatens legal security to carry out oil business, Ramirez added.
The measure is beyond arbitration, as PDVSA is a state-run business boasting jurisdictional immunity and cannot be seized, according to international practice, he said.
Ramirez recalled the freeze is "a measure usually taken against businesses which are bankrupt or leaving a certain sector," certainly not the case of the Venezuelan oil firm.
Therefore, we reserve the right to take any step "to assert our rights" and no court or harassment action will make us yield, he added.
Crystallex Still Awaits Permit for Venezuela Mine, Company Says
Chavez Spurns Venezuela Extremists
Chevron: Venezuela continues to be reliable export source to US
Betancourt a 'matter of life or death' for the whole world
Chavez seeks international mediation for Colombia
FARC hostage's mother concerned with daughter's delicate health
United States Passes Tax Hike for Oil Companies
Teacher facing sex charges free to travel to Venezuela
Chevron happy in Venezuela, says it's there for the 'long term'
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolás Maduro calls on the Colombian government to "reflect" on its relationship with Venezuela
"We hope that the Colombian government reflects upon the immense errors it has committed in its political conduct towards the people of Venezuela, towards the government of Venezuela."
In this vein he is probably referring to the cancellation of negotiations by President Alvaro Uribe, and diplomatic spats which included accusing Chávez of somehow working with the rebels and drug traffickers.
The successful release of four hostages held by the FARC, negotiated by President Chávez and Colombian Senator Piedad Córdoba, could be an important step to an improvement in relations between the two countries, which hit significant lows at the beginning of the year.
The Colombian government chose to allow the release yesterday, and expressed gratitude for the gestures of Chávez and Córdoba. And Colombian Foreign Chanceller Fernándo Araujo has made several statements recently indicating he wants relations to improve. In a serious stepback from claims that Colombia was organizing military actions with the U.S. against Venezuela, Maduro made some similar claims on Wednesday.
"We have the best relations with the government of Colombia, with the distinct political sectors," he said. However, he also called said that the government of Venezuela will continue pushing for a humanitarian accord between Colombia and the FARC. Yesterday the FARC issued a communiqué saying that their release showed the power of "humanity" over "intransigence," and called on the Colombian government to open a demilitarized zone for negotiations, a request that the Colombian government has repeatedly denied.
"Today there is an immense desire in the whole world to accompany Colombia in the search for a humanitarian exchange."
The FARC still holds many hostages, and has made clear that they want their officers back in exchange. Uribe, however, insists the rebels are "terrorists" and has eschewed negotiations in favor of military actions.
Despite the verbal squabbling between the two countries, they remain very important trading partners. A lot of the trouble was set off by U.S. ambassador to Colombia, William Brownfield, who made allegations of Venezuela's role in the cocaine trade. He recently apologized for causing such a "delicate" situation for his host country. He neglected to actually apologize for the accusations.
The relatives remain in Caracas with the newly freed hostages.
Confusion over Candidates' Eligibility
She said that the decision was absolutely not in the hands of the CNE (The National Electoral Council), that the CNE had no power to decide on the political eligibility of any Venezuelan, and that they were obliged to do exactly as the law, and the courts decided.
That is, that regardless of their opinion on the matter, it seems that members of the list submitted by Comptroller General Clodosbaldo Russián are rendered ineligible, with the right to appeal to the supreme court.
"So then, we are going continue complying with the law, just like always, with what is in the constitution, and what the Supreme Court decides, which in the case is in favor of the position of the Comptroller General.
Russián inspired sharp reactions from both the parties of the members of the list and CNE rector Diáz this week when he announced that in his opinion, those 400 (or 369, depending whom you ask) who had "caused harm to public resources" couldn't run for election. That list included Leopóldo López, mayor of Chacao, and Enrique Mendoza.
Diáz responded by saying that Russián had overstepped his constitutional bounds, that no Comptroller can suspend one's constitutional political rights to run for office. He also said,
however, that the CNE should make their own decisions in this matter.
His boss offered a further rectification Wednesday, while refusing to comment on if Russián had overstepped his bounds. She wanted to make clear, however, that the courts decide that, not the Electoral Power.
"All those people who feel their rights have been violated have all the constitutional and legal rights to appeal those decisions. But now, they can't appeal to the National Electoral Council. They should appeal to the Supreme Court."
The list Russián submitted to the CNE this week did not come as a surprise, however. All of the people had already received sanctions from his office which had appeared in the Official Gazette. What is at issue now is if his decisions are legally binding.
Opposition party Un Nuevo Tiempo has declared it will fight the injunction in the streets and in the courts. "If necessary, we will march on the Supreme Court," said Enrique Martínez, party
representative.
Meanwhile, another CNE rector chimed in, Germán Yepez, claiming that the decision of the Comptroller General all was indeed binding for the CNE. "It obligates the entities to comply with the sanction."
If there is this much disagreement within the CNE itself, then it probably should go to the Supreme Court.
Patrick J. O'Donoghue's round-up of news from Venezuela
In an update on the Exxon Cerro Negro vs. Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) lawsuit, the latter's lawyer, John Fordham has confirmed this afternoon's hearing but he has told VHeadline.com that the judge will first decide whether the hearing will be public or private. Mr. Fordham spent yesterday afternoon conferring with the PDVSA delegation that is in London for the case. The objective of the case is to have the courts annul a decision to freeze all PDVSA assets in the UK. It would appear that the sessions WILL be heard in private and will continue tomorrow morning at 10.30 a.m. We have been unable to contact members of the PDVSA delegation for an update on proceedings. As a matter of clarification, VHeadline's news editor has been informed by an expert that "there is no lawsuit as such, merely a cautionary measure to freeze $12 billions of assets ... this was previously called a Mareva Injunction and this jurisprudence started in 1975." PDVSA and its UK lawyers want to have the cautionary measure lifted and "defrost" its assets in the UK. The same source of information confirms that while the assets frozen are around $12 billion, the US company claims a compensation of $5 million.
President Chavez phoned into the State channel TV's La Hojilla program last night to launch a stinging criticism of yesterday morning's pro-government march in which Bolivarian leader, Lina Ron attacked the Archbishop of Caracas and Globovision news channel. Chavez says the attitude of Ron and others that took part in a march organized by the Revolutionary Popular Assembly and Aporrea.org showed "signs of revolutionary indiscipline." Furthermore, the President has announced that he will ask for Lina Ron to be expelled from the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) ... "we cannot start a party like ours with such indiscipline and irresponsibility." Chavez has stated that he could not understand why the marchers entered the Archbishops residence and hints that Lina may have surrounded herself with infiltrators. Recalling the "damage done by the ultra-left infiltrated by the CIA to Salvador Allende in Chile (1970-73), which gave the Right an excuse to overthrow the government," Chavez suggests that there are infiltrators interested in showing that the Bolivarian revolution is violent. National Assembly deputy, Luis Tascon was also criticized for attacking Bolivarian leaders. Chavez insists that any denunciations must be accompanied by evidence.
According to a report published in Maracaibo broadsheet, Panorama, President Chavez has an acceptance rating of 67.3%. In a survey undertaken by the Venezuelan Data Institute (Ivad), 54.3% of Venezuelans consider the situation in the country has improved. Last year, at the same time the rating was 41%. In other ratings, 53.7% of those surveyed think that food shortages are a serious problem and 53% thought the situation would improve. However, public insecurity remains the biggest problem, rating 72.1% down from last year's figure of 81.4%.
Perhaps the biggest message in yesterday's successful liberation of four former Colombian Congress members is President Chavez' call to the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to find French-Colombian citizen, Ingrid Betancourt and to secure her freedom. The freed hostages have stated that Betancourt's health situation is delicate and insist that she needs urgent attention. Chavez has called on FARC leader, Manuel Marulanda to bring the former presidential candidate closer to his camp as soon as possible. Colombian president, Alvaro Uribe has welcomed the release of the hostages and thanked President Chavez and Colombian opposition senator, Piedad Cordoba for their role in securing the releases.
Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com
PDVSA Tells UK Court Exxon-Requested Asset Freeze Unjustified
Exxon is looking to establish a legal precedent that would not only have impact in dealings with Venezuela
Crystallex hopeful, but still waiting for Venezuela permit
Freed hostage: Rebels seized letters of U.S captives
Prominent British Figures Call on ExxonMobil to Respect Venezuelan Sovereignty
Crystallex Updates Shareholders on the Las Cristinas Project
National Assembly proposes measures to promote productive sector
Enterprise representatives from the German State Saxony-Anhalt learn of business oportunities in Venezuela
Venezuela was visited by enterprise representatives of the German State Saxony-Anhalt in order to know the business oportunities that the country offers in the chemistry and petrochemistry sectors, as well as the following fields: plastic, environment, infrastructure, mining and metalurgy, tourism and gas.The commission, organized by the Commerce Office of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela Embassy in Germany, received specialized technical counseling from the National Board of Investment Promotion CONAPRI.
This institution offered duly and liable information about business opportunities and economic and legal incentives that the country grants to investments.
Politics in Venezuela are often portrayed from the viewpoint of those who support President Hugo Chavez or those who despise him
Chavez Appeals to FARC for Betancourt
British Appeal Commercial Court to start hearings in Exxon Mobil Cerro Negro Ltd v. Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA)
British Appeal Commercial Court 21 will start hearings in private today before Lord Justice Walker at the Royal Courts of Justice (London) in the case of Exxon Mobil Cerro Negro Ltd versus Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA).
The Venezuelan oil company will be represented by the law firm, Stephenson Harwood whose head of commercial litigation, John Fordham is defending PDVSA's endeavor to have a British Court order to freeze company assets in the UK overturned.
Fordham was instrumental in representing the City of Westminster council's corruption case against Conservative Dame Shirley Porter in 2005 for which the law firm received the dispute resolution team of the year honor at the 2005 Legal Business Awards 2005.
Yesterday, Wednesday, a group of protesters organized by Hands Off Venezuela (UK) gathered outside the Courts of Justice to highlight opposition to ExxonMobil's unwarranted freezing of PDVSA assets.
Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Solidarity campaigners protest in central London on Wednesday night against ExxonMobil
Solidarity campaigners protested in central London on Wednesday night against ExxonMobil's successful attempt to freeze Venezuelan assets as part of a compensation dispute. After gathering outside an office block owned by the oil giant's British subsidiary Esso, the 20-plus protesters marched to the Royal Courts of Justice, where ExxonMobil had been granted the assets freeze and where the case was to be continued on the following Friday and Wednesday. ExxonMobil has launched a lawsuit against Venezuela and has won court orders in Britain, the Netherlands and the US to freeze up to $12 billion (£6.1bn) of assets. Venezuela has responded by stopping oil sales to the company, accusing it of 'judicial terrorism' and acting as 'a spearhead for imperialism.'
Freed Colombians Hostages in Stable Condition
Caracas, Feb 27 (Prensa Latina) The four former legislators released Wednesday by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) are in stable health condition in Venezuela, sources of the International Red Cross reported.According to Irma Alvarez, International Red Cross spokeswoman in Venezuela, said the four hostages were medically examined after the rescue operation. Alvarez said two Venezuelan helicopters fryng the Red Cross emblem were used in the operation.
In her statements to Venezolana de Television, the spokeswoman explained that four Red Cross representatives took part in the action leading to the release of former legislators Gloria Polanco, Orlando Beltran, Luis Eladio Perez and Jorge Eduardo Gechem.
Venezuelan passenger plane carrying 112 people makes emergency landing in Panama
Hostages release boost to efforts to free Betancourt: Kouchner
'The success of this (Wednesday's) operation constitutes a powerful boost to ... find an urgent humanitarian solution to the drama,' the said in a statement. Betancourt, who had been running for president when she was seized six years ago by the Marxist rebel Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), is considered the group's headline detainee.
Venezuela: government and communities organize to ensure food distribution
PDVSA Aims For $5.7B Investment In Former Exxon Venture
Venezuela to Be Proposed to Chair LatAm Parliament
Chirinos, who took over the presidency of the Venezuelan chapter on Tuesday, noted that his comrades would defend Venezuela's revolutionary process and its leader, Hugo Chavez, from the campaigns launched to discredit them.
According to a press release from the National Assembly, the lawmaker warned that Venezuela is waging a struggle of truth against lie by those who want to distort Chavez's image in complicity with the US government. He pointed out that a way to stop that campaign is to bring together Latin American and Caribbean leftwing groups to win the presidency of the Latin American Parliament, which has always been chaired by the right wing.
Canadian gold miner Crystallex may sell as much as 85% of its future Venezuelan gold production on international spot markets...
The Toronto-based company -- which operates in Venezuelan under its Crystallex de Venezuela C.A. subsidiary -- says the regulariions clearly state that although any payment by the Central Bank under its option on the 15% of production, is made at the global market US$ price per ounce of gold in the Venezuelan currency, F.Bolivares (=Strong Bolivares), http://www.xe.com/ucc/ mechanisms exist for funds to be repatriated to Canada under foreign exchange regulations currently in place.
Although Crystallex is currently only producing 30,000 ounces of gold per year from its existing mine operations in southeastern Venezuela, Marshall said the company has not experienced any foreign exchange difficulties although he admits that incomes have been ploughed back into preparations for the company's major contract to mine at least 16 million ounces of gold at the gigantic Las Cristinas goldfield which will produce a steady flow of bullion some 24-30 months after a final permit to launch operations is officially announced.
President Hugo Chavez spoke with FARC hostages by telephone soon after they were released
Another lesson we can learn from a critical understanding of Latin American experiences
Active participation needed to make political system work
US recession fears raise oil prices
Colombian hostages freed by Farc
FARC releases Gloria Polanco, Jose Eduardo Gechem, Orlando Beltran and Luis Eladio Perez
In a news conference in this capital, International Red Cross representative Barbara Hintermann confirmed the guerrillas' release of the four politicians in the southern department of Guaviare.
Hintermann said one of the Red Cross representatives who traveled as part of the humanitarian mission called her up to confirm the release of the politicians, who will be taken to Venezuela. The news was also confirmed by Colombian Defense Minister Juan Manuel Santos.
According to the plan, after picking up the group, the two helicopters of the Venezuelan Air Force bearing International Red Cross logos would wait some time for the guerrilla patrol to go deep into the jungle. They would take off for the Santo Domingo base in Venezuela, and from there to Caracas, where they will be welcomed by close relatives and would probably meet with President Hugo Chavez.
The FARC announced the release of the former lawmakers as a unilateral gesture to acknowledge the humanitarian efforts made by President Chavez and Liberal Senator Piedad Cordoba.
This is the second time in less than two months that the Colombian guerrillas make such a gesture. Politicians Clara Rojas and Consuelo Gonzalez were released in January under very similar conditions.
Patrick J. O'Donoghue's round-up of news from Venezuela
A day after Federation of Chambers of Industry & Commerce (Fedecamaras) president, Jose Manuel Gonzalez offered an olive branch to the government, second deputy president, Noel Alvarez has stated that the organization will ask the Inter American Human Rights Court for protection measures in favor of the board of directors and employees after an explosive device went off in front of its Caracas HQ last weekend. Alvarez made the statement after presenting a document to the Attorney General asking for a full investigation into the explosion. Fedecamaras, Alvarez complains, has not received any sign of solidarity from government sources, except from a Labor Ministry director. The deputy president adds that the business sector is ready to dialogue with the government on any level.
First news reports indicate that the person killed in the explosion in front of the Fedecamaras HQ was one Hector Amado Serrano, said to be a former State Political & Security (DISIP) police officer. Interior & Justice (MIJ) Minister, Ramon Rodriguez Chacin's first reaction has been to say that Amado Serrano was a member of a group of anarchists which the government is currently investing. According to National Assembly deputy Reinaldo Garcia, Serrano belonged to one of the Bolivarian networks of social intelligence. Noticierodigital.com reports claims from Metro Mayor Juan Barreto that the deceased worked for National Assembly deputy, Pedro Infante, connected to the Tupamaro Party that has its base in the Caracas 23 de Enero district. Conclusion: the incident has become a chance for a bit of mud-slinging and point-chasing.
The Tupamaro Movement has issued a statement denying any involvement in the incident at Fedecamaras and accuses the tabloid 2001 of linking the organization with the attack without providing any proof. The fact that Hector Serrano lived in 23 de Enero, the statement runs, does not mean that Tupamaro Movement was involved.
During a march and rally organized by Aporrea org, Bolivarian leader Lina Ron has spoken out against raids taking place in 23 de Enero by State Political & Security (DISIP) agents. Ron cautions MIJ Minister Rodriguez Chacin to act prudently and to apply the same measures to paramilitaries living in Caracas East. Ron also read a statement outside the residence of the Archbishop of Caracas rejecting the position taken by the bishops during the April 11, 2002 coup and the Papal Nunciature for granting asylum to student leader, Nixon Moreno. Several pro-government supporters entered the residence evicting staff members before the metropolitan police restored order.
Coffee growers from the hills surrounding the town of Sanare, Lara State are forecasting the production of 400,000 measures (measure=100 lbs) of coffee. Gran Casa coffee company president, Federico Camacho made the statement during a meeting with Communal Economy Minister, Pedro Morejon and State Governor Luis Reyes. At the meeting coffee producers presented a list of their needs and problems that requiring an effective solution, while the visitors laid the foundation for a plan of action to help solve land problems and review government credits. Minister Morejon says that his Ministry has started a series of inspections to see how credits have been and are being used and to monitor projects.
US Ambassador to Colombia, William Brownfield has apologized to the Colombian government for provoking a stand-off with Venezuela after a statement he made on a Colombian radio show about an increase in drug-trafficking in the neighboring country. Brownfield says he does not apologize for what he said because it represents a position of his government but he does lament having complicated things for the Colombian government. On February 16, Venezuela sent a note of protest through the Colombian Ambassador in Caracas, Fernando Marin regarding Brownfield's statements. The US Ambassador went OTT regarding the volume of drugs being transshipped through Venezuela over the last five years. Brownfield described the transshipment hike as an explosion. "We do not say that a government is at fault and we are not saying that is it is specifically owing to a concrete decision of a government ... what we are saying is that it has multiplied between 10 to 15 times."
Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com
Crude oil prices set record high 102.08 dollars per barrel
New York's main contract, light sweet crude for delivery in April, touched an historic 102.08 dollars per barrel in electronic deals. Brent North Sea crude for April delivery struck an all-time peak at 100.53 dollars. 'Oil futures made new record highs as the market continues to benefit from the weakening dollar, however, the market has retreated since making fresh highs amid profit taking,' said Sucden analyst Nimit Khamar."
Venezuela-Cuba Boost Genetic Diagnosis
Venezuelan Participation and Social Protection Minister Erika Farias said the work started in the state of Miranda in 2007, and has been extended to such other states as Barinas, Zulia, and Delta Amacuro.
People that are already located by the Barrio Adentro Mission are genetically assessed within that system, she told Venezolana de Television.
The official said the initiative involves house by house actions with Cuban medical equipment, social workers and specialized physicians.
As an example, she revealed there were some 25,000 cases detected in Miranda, 21,000 of which have already been solved, adding the construction of a clinic for genetic studies in that entity.
Farias also announced they are making progress in qualifying personnel to detect the problems even during pregnancy.
Venezuelan IT firm Sidif to expand into English-speaking Caribbean, Brazil
Gold explorer Medoro Resources dropped to its lowest in over 10 months on news of private placement to raise up to C$10m
Venezuela and Russia Exchange Oil Technology
Venezuela to implement new university admissions system that takes into account socio-economic status and residency
Venezuelan choppers to pick up captives
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Venezuela minister of home affairs and justice, Ramon Rodriguez Chacin: Venezuela Ready for FARC Detainees
Venezuelan Interior Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin said he has the coordinates for the handover of Gloria Polanco, Orlando Cuellar, Eladio Perez and Jorge Eduardo Gechem by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
It is expected that the International Red Cross cooperate in this operation, in a very similar mechanism used in January when the guerrilla released Clara Rojas, former candidate for the Colombian vice presidency, and former legislator Consuelo Gonzalez.
The minister mentioned February 27 as a probable date to finalize that step, taking into consideration the need to coordinate with Colombian authorities in charge of the corresponding consents.
The information on the place of the delivery is in the hands of Rodriguez Chacin, who asserted it will be provided in a sealed envelop to the Red Cross in case of an unexpected situation.
The success of this project is surrounded by accusations of the presence of some 18,000 Colombian military soldiers in the zone, endangering people who could be freed and those who are still in the hands of the FARC rebels.
If this action is successfully realized, it will be the second unilateral step of the insurgency, in recognition of the mediating labor by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and Colombian Senator Piedad Cordova, which had been abruptly stopped by the Bogota government.
Venezuela ready to launch operation to pick up four hostages expected to be released by Colombian rebels
Pope Benedict XVI sends telegram expressing his condolences to relatives of 46 who died in Venezuelan plane crash
Oscar Heck: Judge for yourself
After 13 years as an insurgent for the "US White Christian Liberation Forces" (US-WCLF), Gerry has abandoned the US-WCLF to become an informant for the Clinton-Obama liberal left campaign. For security reasons, Gerry has secretly met with USA TOMORROW DAILY to tell us about his experience with the US-WCLF, involving drug smuggling, coercion, kidnapping and ..."
Wow! Doesn't that sound fantastic?
Now listen to this, a quote from an AP article of February 25, 2008, entitled, "Colombian Rebels Find Haven in Venezuela," by Fabiola Sanchez and Frank Bajak:
"Leftist rebels fighting Colombia's U.S.-backed military have increasingly found refuge in Venezuela, where they get weapons, food, medical treatment and a smuggling route for the cocaine that keeps them afloat ... Former rebels, local citizens and Colombian officials told The Associated Press that hundreds or even thousands of Colombian insurgents are in Venezuela at any given time.'Venezuela's army helps the guerrillas a lot,' said Antonio, who spent 13 years with FARC. Now an informant for Colombia's military, he asked that his last name be omitted to protect relatives from reprisals ... Well inside Venezuela, Colombian insurgents rest, train, buy arms and uniforms, recover from wounds and process cocaine, according to the rebel deserters, Venezuelan opposition politicians and Colombian officials."
Judge for yourself....
Oscar Heck
oscarheck111@yahoo.com
Patrick J. O'Donoghue's round-up of news from Venezuela
According to Comptroller General, Clodosbaldo Russian, around about 400 opposition politicians are legally unable to aspire to posts in regional and legislative elections this year. Among those are Chacao Mayor, Leopoldo Lopez, former Miranda State Governor, Enrique Mendoza and former Metropolitan Mayor of Caracas, Alfredo Pena. In the case of Lopez, Russian points out, there is an accusation pending since 2005 for allegedly diverting resources destined to pay staff working in the municipal education system and firefighters. Mendoza has the case pending regarding the sale of vehicles in 1996 without any public auction process. Mendoza's prohibition to aspire to posts expires in December 7, 2009. From what can be gleaned from media sources many Fourth Republic politicians and personalities have already put themselves forward as candidates.
According to Interior & Justice (MIJ) Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin, the weekly crime rate has dropped compared to the same period last year from 253 to 141 homicides. The Minister says homicides are dropping thanks to more effective policing ... "police officers are working with greater consciousness and humanism." Last year, the average homicide per week was 52, Rodriguez Chacin claims, and this year in Caracas is down to 31. "There has been a 44% drop in homicides nationally and 40.38% in Caracas." The Minister adds other figures such as: 22,906 drug packets seized in Caracas and 568 citizens caught in the act selling drugs, while 256 persons wanted by the law are being processed.
Federation of Chambers of Industry and Commerce (Fedecamaras) president, Jose Manuel Gonzalez has replied to President Chavez' rebuttal that he would not allow the business sector to tell him what to do. In a communique Gonzalez challenges the President to fix a date, time and place for a meeting to which Fedecamaras would come without "fear, threats and offering optimism and confidence." According to the employers' association, government economic policies have led to an increase in shortages, prices and corruption affecting the most needy people in Venezuela. Gonzalez also points out that without a heightened, respectful and free participation of private enterprise the phenomenon of food shortages will be impossible to solve. The organization is also criticizes what it calls a "dangerous tendency to involve members of the Armed Force (FAN) and Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) professionals in the production, distribution and marketing of food, medicine and educational services." Over the weekend there was an explosion outside the Caracas HQ of Fedecamaras in which one person supposedly responsible for placing an explosive device was killed. Fedecamaras calls on the government to investigate who was behind the incident which, it states, threatens peace in Venezuela.
Popular organizations in Caracas have organized a rally today condemning the violence promoted by 24/7 opposition news channel, Globovision. The rally will take place in (Caracas) Plaza Bolivar today and among the organizers are: Coordinadora Simon Bolivar and the Antifascist Front of Venezuela. Aporrea.org has organized a march and rally tomorrow on Wednesday, February 27 (27F) to remember the popular rebellion in 1989 popularly known as the Caracazo. According to the organization, 27F was the beginning of the Bolivarian Popular Revolution and it hopes that the rally will be a sign of the strength of popular power. The march is against bureaucracy and to highlight the real needs of the people, namely housing, services, community infrastructure, roads, health, education land, social security and just salaries.
Patrick J. O'Donoghue
patrick.vheadline@gmail.com
Oscar Heck - I am sure Aleksander Boyd wouldn't even squint
http://www.vcrisis.com/index.php?content=letters/200802250936
Boyd, the dishonest and scheming criminal that he is -- I explain why below -- states, "While reading this piece of news, it's worth bearing in mind: this video of Hugo Chavez threatening Fedecamaras' chair just a few days before the explosion; and these statements of Minister of Interior and Justice Ramón Rodríguez Chacín saying that the Metropolitan Police was to become a 'socialist, revolutionary and subversive police force.' "
The actual Chacin quote, which Boyd, as usual, presents out of context is as follows: "... we need to construct a socialist, revolutionary, and subversive police force...we must rise up against the yokes that oppress the body of the police, and know that human beings are the most important thing."
When talking about subversion, Chacin is relating it to subversion against the corruption (and criminal activity) within the existing police forces.
I think that all Venezuelans know the extent to which much of the traditional Caracas police forces are involved in criminal activity, often related to violence against Chavez and Chavez supporters, creating fear and panic on behalf of the violent, US-financed Venezuelan opposition of which Boyd is a member.
What Boyd fails to address is the fact that it has been shown on several occasions, such as the killings during the opposition-led coup in April 2002 and the bombing of the Colombian Embassy in 2003 (if I remember correctly), that in fact it was opposition sectors which ordered the killings with collaboration from the Caracas police under Alfredo Pena.
Coincidentally, "leftist" leaflets were also found at the Colombian Embassy bombing site with mysterious "leftist" organization names ... names which I have never heard about and would probably have heard about if they existed because I live in some of the most "dangerous" barrios of Caracas and Tachira, along the Colombian borders.
Anyways, I must add, as I have often stated, that all this smells to me of CIA.
What better way to start a smear campaign against Chavez and Chavez supporters, most of whom live in barrios -- where these mysterious "leftists" groups are presumed to live? In 2002 the opposition killed several innocent opposition supporters (their own people) and them blamed it on Chavez. The CIA and the US-government financed opposition, do not care who they shoot, as long as it serves their best purpose in blaming Chavez ... which then the local opposition media picks up ... which then the US mainstream media sends out to the whole world ... that Chavez and Chavez supporters are murderers.
But wait? Why is it that I call Aleksander Boyd a dishonest and scheming criminal?
This is what he said prior to October 02, 2005, when I published this in one of my articles:
"Paraphrasing Gerry Adams; 'sometimes violence is the only means to achieve goals…' The more the time elapses, the blunter the constitutional violations of the regime, the more I become convinced that the sole way of effectively opposing Chavez is through violence ... Hence there is a solution: to disown the regime for its violations to democratic values, principles and guarantees and encroachment of human rights are evident. Said stance should go in hand with violence, as Gerry Adams pointed out, if some sort of consensus and respect from Chavez and his thugs is to be achieved. ... The solution in my view is clear and simple: violence.' ... The other question that daunts me is, how can democracy be protected from itself? What mechanisms has the layman to simply kick out of office pariahs such as Chavez? The answer is none, and since there is no democratic mechanisms in place, violence is the only recourse left."
You can check it out directly at this link:
http://www.vcrisis.com/?content=letters/200410101107
And, by the way, FEDECAMARAS (where this latest bombing took place) is the traditional and largest and highly corrupt association of Venezuelan chambers of commerce ... and it received hefty financing from the NED, a US government organization that was created by Reagan in the early 1980s to replace subversive CIA financing abroad ... and coincidentally, FEDECAMARAS was one of the two main Venezuelan organizations (the other was the CTV) which headed up the violent coup against Chavez in 2002 around the same time when innocent opposition people were killed by the same opposition group of people who headed up the coup.
I am quite sure that Aleksander Boyd wouldn't even squint if he "had to kill" his own people in order to blame Chavez ... at least that is what I can deduce from his approach to the latest bombing and from his words, above.
Oscar Heck
oscarheck111@yahoo.com
UK managed to sell more than half of its gold reserves at an average $275 per ounce - the very bottom of a 20-year bear market
FARC Detainee Wife Warns Colombia
Rodriguez told Colombian authorities that they should demonstrate seriousness and comply with the promise of preventing military actions in the area where the detainees must be handed over to Caracas authorities.
The wife of the former congressman participated in a press conference where Venezuelan minister of foreign relations and justice, Ramon Rodriguez Chacin exposed the presence of more than eight thousand soldiers in the region.
Chacin and chancellor Nicolas Maduro informed that their government has the coordinates for the liberation of the four former congresspersons detained by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
The insurgent group announced the liberation of Orlando Beltran, Luis Eladio Perez, Luis Grechem and Gloria Polanco in recognition of the mediation of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez and senator Piedad Cordoba.
The Colombian insurgents freed this year the former congresswoman Consuelo Gonzales and former vice presidential candidate, Clara Rojas, after Colombian president had rejected Chavez mediation for a humanitarian agreement.
Venezuela: Election Calendar to be Discussed in March
CNE official Sandra Oblitas said the calendar is expected to include the deadline for voter registration, nomination of candidates, campaign and audits, among other election-related issues.
CNE sources have estimated that election date to choose some 600 governors, mayors and members of legislative councils might be November 23.
Terrorism probes still haunting Posada at 80
Milka Duno has not taken off her driving gloves; instead the petit racer from Venezuela moves forward into 2008
Presidential summit for the launching of the Union of South American nations, Unasur, will take place March 28/29
PetroFalcon Begins Natural Gas Deliveries From Cumarebo
Four more hostages in Colombia could be freed in the coming hours
Monday, February 25, 2008
Posada Carriles celebrated his 80th birthday this month at an undisclosed location in Miami
Correction: make that another two alphabetical letter acronym...
These should be filed away for comparison because 2008 is already shaping up for US/us to be a year of many changes ... mostly downward!
You see financial pundits (me included) are looking to the year ahead as a year of downturns. Some have already postulated that the dreaded R-word of recession actually began in the final months of 2007. Others predict its beginnings in the first or second quarter of 2008. Because this is a presidential election year, the government will pull out all the stops to put forth a smiley face during the third quarter before the actual election in November. We've heard their mantra of "don't worry, be happy (and spend)" before. Congress and the Bush Administration already have approved a $150 Billion rebate package giving tax-paying citizenry a spring windfall to soften coming downturns. This means of course, a supplementary bump in our National Debt by the same amount. All coming downturns should be reflected in our consumption of goods and energy. Dollar slide will continue.
Our eight largest trade deficits for the month of December 2007 (and 2007 Year to Date) are as follows: China $18.792 Billion ($256.269 Billion YTD), Japan $6.593 Billion ($82.799 Billion YTD), Mexico $6.511 Billion ($74.258 Billion YTD), Canada $4.656 Billion, ($64.674 Billion YTD), Germany $3.874 Billion ($44.712 Billion YTD), Venezuela $3.651 Billion ($29.697 Billion YTD), Nigeria $3.431 Billion ($29.984 Billion YTD), and Saudi Arabia $2.704 Billion ($25.227 Billion YTD). Considering that our hands-down overall biggest dollar denominated imports are for crude oil and petroleum distillates, just WHAT all are we hocking our souls for in what we are getting from <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />China, Japan, and Germany? As an aside… our biggest trade surpluses are with the Dutch with a December surplus of $1.513 Billion and a YTD surplus of $14.566 Billion.
The top eight sources of Uncle $ugar's crude oil imports for December 2007 were: Canada (1.780 Million barrels per DAY--MBPD), Saudi Arabia (1.675 MBPD), Venezuela (1.246 MBPD), Mexico (1.234 MBPD), Nigeria (1.210 MBPD), Angola (0.439 MBPD), Iraq (0.378 MBPD), and Algeria (0.348 MBPD). Uncle $ugar's top eight sources of total petroleum imports for April 2007 were: Canada (2.326 MILLION barrels per DAY--MBPD), Saudi Arabia (1.686 MBPD), Venezuela (1.382 MBPD), Mexico (1.322 MBPD), Nigeria (1.271 MBPD), Algeria (0.600 MBPD), Angola (0.439 MBPD) and Iraq (0.378 MBPD). The December import value of crude oil ($24.9 Billion) and the December import average price per barrel of crude oil ($82.76) were records. Despite all the December saber rattling between Washington and Caracas, Venezuela regained its historic slot as our overall number three energy provider. Mexican production/ sales to US/us continued to decline.
How we fare in 2008 should be reflected in the numbers presented to the public.
In the recent past, such reporting has been spun, hyped, or even eliminated altogether. We stopped getting the M-3 money supply data last March and more economic reporting by Uncle $ugar is scheduled for elimination this March. The FED and the Administration have drawn their line in the water, seeing more liquidity as the solution - not the problem. The US citizenry is being treated like mushrooms; kept in the dark and fed PR (public relations).
Correction: make that another two alphabetical letter acronym.
Fred Cederholm
asklet@rochelle.net
CANTV opens campaign to have its employees call their computer mouse a ``raton''
Exxon Mobil Actions against PDVSA Lack Legal Foundations
In statements to the newspaper PANORAMA, expert Victor Santamarin pointed out that as an arbitration process is underway, such a measure is ruled out before the trial begins.
Santamarin said that Exxon Mobil's lawsuit for five billion dollars is lower than the 12 billion dollars demanded in as preventive actions by British and Dutch courts.
In that regard, the experts recalled that the ICSID (International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes), which is in charge of settling the dispute, has not ruled that assets must be frozen as a previous step to arbitration.
So far, the country has spent more than 1.8 billion dollars to control operations in the Orinoco Oil Strip, which was mainly run by transnational companies.
According to Deputy Mario Isea, the lawsuit exceeds Exxon Mobil's reported assets in the former Cerro Negro project (currently Petromonagas), which totaled 700 million dollars.
In that regard, the lawmaker pointed out that transnational company owned 41.77 percent of the assets, so it cannot demand such a huge compensation.
For Venezuela, Isea added, additional lawsuits by the US company are pressure mechanisms outside the scope of the law.
Venezuela will halt exports of foods such as milk and meat unless domestic demand is met first
Venezuelan official blames 'anarchists' for explosion that killed 1 man
'We know who they are and we know the game they want to play,' Justice Minister Ramon Rodriguez Chacin told reporters. 'We're going to capture them.' The blast near the entrance of the Fedecamaras business chamber headquarters in Caracas killed a man and shattered windows early Sunday.
Patrick J. O'Donoghue's round-up of news from Venezuela
Veteran international analyst and journalist, Walter Martinez has appeared on state television VTV once more after a long absence. The reappearance of former Uruguay air force pilot, Martinez was welcomed by President Chavez who phoned in for a chat. Martinez says his famous program "Dossier" will return via the military academy television channel but will be transmitted by other channels as well. Mr. Martinez' program was taken off the air the two years ago by VTV state television board of directors, much to the dismay of many viewers who followed Martinez' analysis of world affairs as they happened or in "pleno desarrollo" as was his catch phrase.
The government has been reviewing its media policies. The revision is part of its overall strategy to review, rectify, and give a new impulse to all aspects of the Bolivarian revolution. The revision process is headed by Communication & Information Minister (Minci) Minister, Andres Izarra and VTV president, Yuri Pimentel. President Chavez has told both men that one of the important aspects of the revision is to turn the Channel 8 into a 24/7 news channel like Telesur, while the other channels will concentrate on sport, culture and general entertainment.
Andres Izarra has announced plans to introduce new news formats aimed at amplifying and improving communication processes in Venezuela itself. Speaking on VTV state channel's "Open Dialogue" program, the Minister insists on the need for an excellent television service and better quality journalism to replace current formats and to give an impulse to information and communication. The plan is within the framework of the 3Rs strategy to review, rectify, and re-impulse policies. According to the Minister, current government channels follow a very generalized profile competing for the same audience and part of the current government review debate centers on specifying the audience each channel wants to reach. "We want to complement the evolution and impact of channels by implementing and monitoring an audiometer that will provide us with means of competing not just with private channels but also for audiences ... the channels must be competitive, have a purpose and be original ... that is the spirit motivating us to propose the changes." The Minister has denied that the radio-electrical space is being dominated by community media, arguing that 80% of the space is in the hands of private companies, according to statistics from communications regulatory body, Conatel.
According to a report in the Notitarde newspaper, US Senator Richard Lugar has called on Congress to investigate concerns he has about Venezuela. As member of the Senate foreign affairs committee, Lugar has asked the General Accountability Office to provide an update on concerns he has about " large quantities of cocaine being transshipped the ports of Puerto Cabello and Maracaibo." Other concerns deal with possible government involvement in the trade and links with narco-trafficking rings and guerrilla groups. Lugar states that he has drawn up a list of 13 concerns.
Delegates attending the second plenary session of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela's (PSUV) fifth assembly have unanimously appointed President Chavez party president. They also decided that the 1,861 delegates make up the General Assembly of Delegates, which will act as the new party's maximum authority. An election system for national authorities on a temporary basis has been approved and next Saturday each of the delegates will tender names of three candidates to the national leadership bureau. Voting will take place on the eighth or ninth of March. PSUV national coordinator, Jorge Rodriguez states that the election process will be automated and has asked the National Elections Council (CNE) to oversee the electoral process.
During his Sunday radio address from Apure State, President Chavez insisted on pushing forward the agrarian reform and the war on landed estates. The President has announced an investment of (Bs.F) 2.8 billion bolivares in credits for agricultural producers to help boost production in some areas. Chavez has expressed the hope that by 2012 national demand for meat will be met by local producers. According to Agricultural & Lands Minister, Elias Jaua, Venezuela produces 2 million heads of cattle and says he hopes to produce 3 million heads of cattle a year by 2012. As regards milk production, Minister Jaua maintains that the plan is to lift production 200% by 2012 from 1.7 million liters to 4.2 million.
The UK Agroflora has once again come under fire when President Chavez was told that the Vestey subsidiary has been restricting the movement of 200 indigenous citizens. National Assembly deputy for Apure, Cristobal Jimenez claims that company had fenced in around 200 Yaruro indians who could only move get in and out of their lands with company permission. Agroflora owns a number of farms and ranches in the State, such as Cana Pistola ( 75,000 hectares), Turagua ( 30,000 hectares), Punta de Mata and Los Cocos ( 105,000 hectares). The company purchased the El Morichito ranch from the State Governor under Juan Vicente Gomez and the indians were included in the sale. Agriculture & Lands Minister, Elias Jaua comments that after meeting the Agroflora president, the latter agreed to free up 4,000 hectares to allow the indians to come and go as they please. Chavez has rejected Agroflora's argument that some lands are not producing because they are part of a nature reserve. Jimenez informed Chavez that Nelson Rockefeller was a shareholder in the Invega company which owned the El Frio ranch. The deceased US Vice president under Gerard Ford visited the ranch several times.
