In this week’s roundup… Hugo Chávez is moving his overseas gold reserves back to South America, allegedly to avoid accountability to all the foreign investors who are currently demanding fair compensation for their expropriated property. In other news, Chávez threatened to nationalize private banks in Venezuela, ordered the nationalization of the country’s gold industry and continues his outspoken support of Iran’s nuclear program. Lastly, Chávez attacks the practice of cosmetic surgery in Venezuela.
Why Is Hugo Chávez Moving Venezuela’s Gold Holdings Home?, Forbes
When Venezuela’s strongman Hugo Chavez announced plans to move virtually all of his nation’s overseas gold stock—211 tons of gleaming bars stored in vaults in New York, London, Zurich and elsewhere—back to South America, investors were stunned.
Hugo Chavez finishing 4th round of chemotherapy, The Associated Press
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said Wednesday that he was finishing his fourth round of chemotherapy in Cuba and expressed optimism that he will not require any further treatment. Chavez spoke by phone from Havana to hundreds of supporters who gathered at the Riverside Church in New York to pray for his health.
Chavez threatens to nationalize Venezuelan banks, Reuters
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Sunday he could nationalize private banks for refusing to lend to the poor and for failing to sufficiently aid in the country’s development.
Chavez Decrees Nationalization of Gold Industry Amid Surging Bullion Price, Bloomberg
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez ordered the nationalization of the gold industry and gave companies 90 days to form joint ventures with the state as he seeks to boost control over the nation’s metals producers.
Venezuela, Cuba defend Iran, Syria attacks Israel at nuke meeting, The Associated Press
Iran was praised and Israel criticized Wednesday at a 151-nation meeting, with Cuba and Venezuela defending Tehran’s right to run a nuclear program and Syria saying the Jewish state’s undeclared nuclear arsenal is a threat to world peace.
Venezuela: Hugo Chavez Takes Aim at Breast Implants in a Country Full of Beauty Queens, Nightline ABC
Forget oil. There is no commodity more valued in Venezuela than feminine beauty. The country holds six Miss Universe titles and five Miss World titles — a total of 11 titles compared to America’s 10.