Venezuela Analysis

[news] Fired Venezuelan Labor Leader Orlando Chirino Reinstated in Job

Gregory Wilpert - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:56:43 -0430

Venezuela’s Labor Ministry ruled this Tuesday that the labor leader Oscar Chirino was illegally fired from his job in the state owned oil company PDVSA and must be reinstated.
By Gregory Wilpert - Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] Venezuelan Elections Will Put Chávez to the Test

Humberto Marquez - IPS — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:22:08 -0430

As if his post were at stake, Venezuela's left-wing President Hugo Chávez is showing up all over the country at election rallies, caravans, public works inaugurations, nationally televised public events and highly publicised midnight calls to his party's local offices in remote towns. By Humberto Marquez - IPS

[analysis] Venezuela's Tupamaros on the Side of the Law

Martin Markovits, Vincent Bevins - San Francisco Chronicle — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 12:12:17 -0430

In several slums of this Andean capital, an armed guerrilla group wearing black ski masks teaches arts and crafts to local children, goes door-to-door to get the vote out during elections and protects residents from local criminals. By Martin Markovits, Vincent Bevins - San Francisco Chronicle

[newsbrief] Chavez Says Venezuela and Russia Will Build a Nuclear Reactor in Oil-Rich Zulia

Russ Dallen - Latin American Herald Tribune — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:55:46 -0430

CARACAS -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez said that his country and Russia intend to build a nuclear reactor in the oil-rich state of Zulia.

"A nuclear reactor, to produce energy for peaceful purposes, will soon be built in the state of Zulia and named in honor of the Venezuelan scientist of the last century Humberto Fernandez Moran," Chavez told supporters in Maracaibo, the capital of Zulia state.

"Brazil has several nuclear reactors, as does Argentina. We will also have our own reactor," the president said.
By Russ Dallen - Latin American Herald Tribune

[analysis] Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution in the Post (neo)Liberal Constellation

Donald Kingsbury — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:06:23 -0430

The Bolivarian Revolution is in the process of building a new type of state power in Venezuela, one that represents one of the most progressive poles in the postliberal constellation. By Donald Kingsbury

[news] Venezuela Ready for First Completely Automated Election

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:01:17 -0430

Tibisay Lucena, the president of Venezuela’s National Electoral Council, confirmed Sunday that voting equipment has been audited and delivered to all of the 34,662 voting centers across the country in preparation for this Sunday’s regional and local elections, which are the first elections in Venezuelan to be 100% automated.
By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[newsbrief] Opposition Mayoral Candidate for Valencia Detained on Drug Trafficking Charges

Patricia Rivas - Prensa Web YVKE — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:36:55 -0430

Prensa Web YVKE (Patricia Rivas)
Viernes, 14 de Nov de 2008. 2:59 pm

Abdala Makled, candidate for mayor of Valencia (Carabobo State), was arrested today for alleged narcotrafficking. The businessman was arrested in a hacienda he owned, where aircraft and a clandestine airstrip were also discovered, which is suspected to have been the origin of nearly 400 kilos of cocaine intercepted by authorities this morning at El Rosario, a property belonging to the candidate’s brother Walid Makled, who was also arrested.

By Patricia Rivas - Prensa Web YVKE

[analysis] South America: Recession Can Be Avoided

Mark Weisbrot - Pagina/12 — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 18:31:21 -0430

The old adage that "When America gets a cold, Latin America catches pneumonia" has been widely cited. However, there is good reason to believe that South America, in particular, can weather this storm with minimal damage if it adopts the right macro-economic policies. By Mark Weisbrot - Pagina/12

[news] Communal Banks Of Venezuela Receive Big Boost

Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 16:12:32 -0430

As Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez handed over credits to over a thousand communal banks, he highlighted the need for social networks of distribution and for the private banks to also contribute. By Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com

[newsbrief] Venezuela Hosts Dialogue on Economic Cooperation with European Union

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:27:27 -0430

November 14, 2008 (venezuelanalysis.com)-- On Wednesday, the Venezuelan Foreign Relations Ministry hosted its first Economic Dialogue Meeting with the European Union (EU).

The coordinator of the meeting, Venezuelan Vice Minister of Foreign Relations for Europe, Alejandro Fleming, said, “We have designed a strategy for relations that advance positively with several countries... a deepening of relations on all levels, not just political.”
By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] Targeting Hugo Chavez

Stephen Lendman — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:03:04 -0430

Since taking office in February 1999, America's dominant media have relentlessly attacked Chavez because of the good example he represents and threat it might spread in spite of scant chance it will in today's climate. By Stephen Lendman

[newsbrief] Chávez Demands that All Parties Recognize Results of Venezuelan Elections

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:20:41 -0430

November, 14, 2008 (venezuelanalysis.com)-- President Hugo Chávez of Venezuela declared that he will recognize the results of the upcoming regional and local elections, and asked all political parties to do the same.
"If in some state in the country the opposition wins, I will be the first to recognize it," Chávez declared during a campaign rally in the state of Cojedes. "I ask the political parties of all tendencies that we recognize the results of the elections and demonstrate our democratic spirit," he continued.
By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela On Track to Achieve Millennium Development Goals in Education

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:12:01 -0430

Venezuela's improvements in educational access and enrollment over the past ten years have put the country on track to meet the Millenium Development Goals (MDGs) by 2015, according to the United Nations Science, Education, and Culture Organization (UNESCO). By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[newsbrief] Venezuelan Street Vendors Benefit From New Market Building

Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:34:41 -0430

November 13, 2008 (venezuelanalysis.com)-- Over 1,200 street vendors will start operating in the market of Quinta Crespo in Caracas, which was inaugurated by the city mayor Freddy Bernal and the minister for the communal economy, Pedro Morejón, on Tuesday.

The building is part of the solution that the local and national government are offering to the problem of the large numbers of street vendors throughout Caracas and the country.
By Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuelan Employment, Inflation, and Reserves increase, Oil Price Drops

Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:21:26 -0430

In the last few months Venezuela has been affected by the global financial crisis but still was able to sustain its economic growth. Unemployment has fallen and its international reserves have increased, whilst its inflation has also increased and its price of oil decreased. By Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com

[newsbrief] Venezuela Turns Over Two Drug Traffickers to United States

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 21:11:16 -0430

November 12, 2008 (venezuelanalysis.com)-- Venezuela extradited two high-profile Colombian drug traffickers to the United States on Tuesday.

The U.S. had solicited the extradition of cousins Henry Fortis Coneo and Wilmer Villadiego Coneo, who will face trial on 16 charges.

The charges include transporting illegal drugs from Colombia to the Caribbean islands, Central America, and the United States. They are also thought to be linked to a gang in the Dominican Republic that allegedly murdered six people in August.
By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela Removes Houston Consul, Resolving Administrative Mishap

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:48:43 -0430

Venezuela removed its consul in Houston, Antonio Padrino Quintero, as part of an agreement with the United States government to resolve a recent spat over the unauthorized address change of its Houston consulate, President Hugo Chávez confirmed Monday. By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Chávez Says Military to Oppose Destabilization Attempts During Venezuelan Elections

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 12:14:06 -0430

While campaigning in support of candidates for governor and mayor from the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez has threatened to use military force in several states if opposition leaders attempt to sabotage the political process during or after the November 23rd elections. By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela to Increase Military Presence On Conflict-Ridden Colombian Border

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 10:29:40 -0430

Venezuela's Interior and Justice Minister Tarek El-Aissami confirmed Sunday that Venezuela plans to increase its military presence in five locations along the northern region of the Colombian border called the Sierra de Perijá. By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[analysis] A Crucial Test for Venezuela's Bolivarian Revolution

América XXI — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 20:49:03 -0430

While on the surface it may appear to be a simple electoral battle, something much different is at stake on November 23. Once again, the intricate process of the Bolivarian revolution will put its strengths and weaknesses in play in the form of an electoral contest.

By América XXI

[news] Electoral Council to Investigate Venezuelan State TV

Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 19:11:31 -0430

Tibisay Lucena, the president of Venezuela's National Electoral Council (CNE) announced on Saturday that her institution would be opening an administrative inquiry into the state TV channel, VTV (Venezuelan TV) for alleged disrespect of article 16 of the Regulation of Publicity and Propaganda. By Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com

[letter] Nuclear Power is Not the Way to Go

Rolland Miller — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 16:48:47 -0430

Recently Hugo Chavez, whom I admire, has suggested that Venezuela needs to build a nuclear power plant for energy needs in the future.

Do not do it!

Nuclear power is probably the worst way to produce power when one takes all factors into consideration.

-very, very costly to build safely

-has a short useful life before having to be replaced, or exspensively updated. only to be replaced at great cost in a few years.

By Rolland Miller

[analysis] Budgets in Venezuela Take On a Woman’s Face

Humberto Marquez - IPS — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:36:16 -0430

As Venezuela increasingly incorporates a gender perspective in its public budgets, issues like the paving of roads and the construction of schools are being joined by new priorities such as teen pregnancy and domestic violence prevention programmes when it comes to spending. By Humberto Marquez - IPS

[news] U.S. State Dept. Shuts Down A Venezuelan Consulate

Susan Carroll and John Otis - Houston Chronicle — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 14:15:33 -0430

The U.S. State Department has revoked the visas and diplomatic privileges of a dozen Venezuelan consular officials after a two-month dispute over the Venezuelan government's plans to relocate its Houston office. [The Foreign Ministry of Venezuela issued a statement on Sunday that contradicts the report.] By Susan Carroll and John Otis - Houston Chronicle

[newsbrief] Venezuela’s Electoral Council Finds Chavez Not Guilty of Violating Electoral Norms

Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:28:41 -0430

November 7, 2008 (venezuelanalysis.com)—Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) found that the President Hugo Chavez did not violate the norms of publicity and propaganda established by CNE, but rather that he exercised his right to participate politically in the electoral campaign.

Chavez has been accompanying United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) candidates in electoral campaign events leading up to the state, regional, and legislative elections on November 23.
By Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela and Russia Initiate Gas Exploration and Expand Strategic Alliance

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 13:20:54 -0430

On Friday, the Venezuelan state oil company PDVSA and the Russian company Gazprom began drilling for gas in the Gulf of Venezuela. Government officials from both energy giants further concretized an alliance with cooperation agreements in a wide variety of areas. By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuelan National Assembly Rejects Shorter Working Day For Now

Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:31:38 -0430

On Thursday a majority in the National Assembly rejected the partial reform of the Labor Law, which would have reduced the working day to 6 hours, a proposal made by legislators Luis Tascon, Wilmer Azuaje, and Tomas Sanchez. By Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuela to Nationalize Country’s Largest Gold Mine Las Cristinas

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 22:17:42 -0430

By 2009, the Venezuelan government plans to nationalize the Las Cristinas gold mine, which is estimated to have the largest gold deposits in the country and is currently conceded to the Canadian company Crystallex, the Minister of Basic Industries and Mining (MIBAM), Rodolfo Sanz, announced Tuesday. By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Venezuelan Government Hopes for New Era of Peace and Respect with Obama

James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:44:06 -0430

In a statement from the Foreign Relations Ministry on Wednesday, the Venezuelan government congratulated U.S. Senator Barack Obama for being elected president of his country, saying the historic moment could usher in a new era of friendlier relations between the two countries. By James Suggett - Venezuelanalysis.com

[news] Sidor Contract Workers In Negotiations for Bonus, Following Brief Strike

Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 20:22:14 -0430

Contract workers of the nationalized Venezuelan steel company, Sidor, are in negotiations with the Minister for Industry and Mining to receive a one time payment of BsF20,000 (US$ 9,300) instead of their previous demands for a wage increase and other workers’ entitlements. By Tamara Pearson - Venezuelanalysis.com