Monthly Archives: February 2011

Feb
11
2011
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In Case You Missed It…Articles Roundup Week of 2/7/11

The news out of Venezuela this week is exactly new: the inflation rate continues its upward climb and the high crime rate makes it one of the most dangerous places in the region. Unfortunately for the people of Venezuela, they’ve heard it all before.

 

In case you missed it…

A total of 623 “attacks” on companies in nine years El Universal

According to the National Council of Industries (Conindustria), 70 percent of the State’s actions against private property have taken place since 2009.

Venezuela’s Vice Minister “will not silence” President of Canary Islands El Universal

Canary Islands President Paulino Rivero vows to defend the interests of the people from Canary Islands in Venezuela.

Venezuela says 12-month inflation hits 28.5 pct CNBC

Venezuela’s Central Bank says consumer prices rose 2.7 percent in January, bringing the 12-month inflation rate to 28.5 percent.

Venezuela: 48 homicides for every 100,000 people The Washington Post

Venezuelan authorities say they recorded 48 homicides for every 100,000 inhabitants last year, making it one of the most dangerous places in South America.

US intel report highlights Cuba, Venezuela woes AFP

President Hugo Chávez will face increasing protests as the Venezuelan economy deteriorates and the opposition strengthens, according to U.S. intelligence report.

Venezuelan Congress Breaks Out in Brawl as Lawmakers Battle Over Chávez Politics Latino Fox News

Fistfight between Chávez supporter and opponent in Venezuela’s National Assembly caught on camera.

 
Feb
11
2011
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U.S. Foreign Policy and Latin America

The U.S. House Subcommittee on the Western Hemisphere and its Chairman, Rep. Connie Mack (R-FL), will be holding a hearing on February 15 with the objective of assessing U.S. foreign policy toward Latin America( Does the U.S. have a Policy toward Latin America? Assessing the Impact to U.S. Interests and Allies). Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, Arturo Valenzuela, the top U.S. diplomat on Latin America, will serve as the main witness at the hearing.

Venezuela is likely to be one of the focal topics of discussion at the hearing.  Members are likely to be interested in the state of democracy in the country and the impact of Chávez’s domestic and international policies on U.S. national interests.  Since we here at whatsnextvenezuela live and breathe the issues occurring in Venezuela, we would like to suggest some questions for  members of the committee to ask Assistant Secretary Valenzuela at the hearing:

  1. The evidence that Venezuela has aided members of ETA and FARC has resulted in some calling on the U.S. to designate Venezuela as a state sponsor of terrorism. Do you believe Venezuela should be designated as a state sponsor of terrorism? There are increased concerns that a number of high ranking Venezuela military officers may be involved in drug trafficking. Already, Walid Makled, the alleged Venezuelan drug trafficker arrested in Colombia and whom the U.S. is seeking to extradite, has said as much. Do you believe the Venezuela government is aiding and abetting drug trafficking in the region?
  2. What is the administration doing to protect American companies in Venezuela threatened by the Chávez government increased expropriations of private property?
  3. Is the administration doing anything to seek just compensation for the myriad of American companies such as Owens-Illinois, ConocoPhillips, Helmerich & Paine and others that have been expropriated and have yet to receive restitution?
  4. What are your plans on how to handle increasing threats to American interests and private industry in Venezuela?
  5. Is the administration at all nervous about the Venezuelan government’s close ties with Iran?
  6. When is the administration planning to appoint its next ambassador to Venezuela?
  7. Is the administration concerned about the recent agreement between Venezuela and Russia that will provide the government of President Chávez with nuclear assistance?
  8. Would the Administration object to Venezuela pursuing a nuclear program?
  9. What are some of the challenges the administration faces in addressing Venezuela?
  10. Do you think Venezuela could become the next Egypt?
  11. Last week, director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, told a congressional committee that the  Venezuelan government may face increased protests because of the deteriorating economic conditions in the country. Do you agree?
  12. What can we expect for South America if Chávez wins the 2012 elections?  In your opinion, what’s next for Venezuela?
 
Feb
11
2011
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Spanish Leaders Losing Patience over Venezuela Expropriations

The President of the Autonomous Community of the Canary Islands Paulino Rivero, is not likely to return to Venezuela anytime soon.  Rivero stood up for his countrymen last week in an effort to raise awareness on the unlawful expropriation practices of the Venezuelan government. Venezuela hosts the largest number of immigrants from the Canary Islands of any nation in the world. Many of them have developed important agricultural plantations and other companies; dozens have been impacted by the recent massive expropriations carried out by the Venezuela government. The biggest company seized to date is Agroisleña, a large agroservices firm expropriated last October.

While in Venezuela, Rivero raised his voice in favor of expedited compensation for his fellow Canary Island natives who have had their property taken.  “It is understood that farms, in accordance with the law of this country, has been expropriated; but they should have compensation, the appropriate economic indemnity,” he said. Soon after his comments, Temir Porras, the Venezuelan Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, attacked Rivero over Twitter. “No one will silence me,” responded Rivero. “My role is to protect the interests of Canarians in Venezuela.”  His remarks have turned Rivero into a “persona non-grata” in the eyes of the President Chávez, who claims the Spanish leader is infringing on the sovereignty of the Venezuelan government.

This most recent squabble between a Spanish official and Venezuela is part of a broader coolness in relations between both countries. This as a result not only of the vast expropriation of property owned by Spanish citizens or descendants in Venezuela, but also because of the presence of ETA leaders in the South American country, and the refusal of the Chávez government to extradite at least one, Arturo Cubillas.   Venezuela has yet to name a new ambassador to Madrid, a position which remains vacant since late last year when Isaías Rodríguez resigned.   The recent public scolding of a Spanish executive president of the Banco Provincial, owned by Spain’s BBVA, further added to the uproar in Madrid over relations with Venezuela.

It is yet to be seen whether Spain’s new Foreign Minister, Trinidad Jiménez, who replaced Miguel Ángel Moratinos, widely perceived as too soft on Chávez, will take a stronger position toward Venezuela in defense of Spanish interests.