This week in Venezuelan news...

Dear readers,

As usual, it has been a busy week in the news.... 8 police were arrested over the murder of a student activist, a trade union leader was assassinated, the government launched the first phone to be made in Venezuela, Chavez called for the redefination of the PSUV, and more...have a read, and for more information, please see the website :) And remember, your comments are welcome at the end of articles, all you need to do is sign in.

Venezuela and Ternium Reach Final Compensation Agreement for SIDOR Steel Plant

Venezuela will compensate the Argentine-controlled steel company Ternium $1.97 billion for its 60% share of one of Latin America's largest steel plants, SIDOR, according to a Ternium company statement released on Thursday.

Venezuelan Inflation Increases Slightly as Unemployment Drops

Monthly inflation in Venezuela rose from 1.2% in March to 1.8% in April, while unemployment dropped from 9.5% in January to 7.3% in March.

Venezuelan Supreme Court Denies Restraining Order Against RCTV and Globovision

This week, Venezuela's Supreme Court (TSJ) denied a restraining order on two of the country's largest private television stations, Radio Caracas Television (RCTV) and Globovision. Also, the National Assembly urged the National Telecommunications Commission (CONATEL) to discipline Globovision Director Alberto Ravell for attempting to incite panic in the population during an earthquake near Caracas on Monday.

Venezuela Says Colombia's Request for International Intervention "Out of Place"

In response to the Colombian government's request that international political institutions assist in the capture of Colombian guerrilla troops who are allegedly in Venezuelan territory, the Venezuelan Foreign Relations Ministry called the request "absolutely out of place," arguing that the conflict with the guerrillas is exclusively a Colombian issue.

Eight Police Arrested for Death of Venezuelan Student Protestor

Venezuelan authorities arrested eight Merida state police officers on Tuesday for their suspected involvement in the fatal shooting of student leader Yuban Ortega during a protest last week.

Venezuelan Trade Union Leader at Toyota Plant Assassinated

Argenis Vasquez, a union leader in a Toyota plant in Cumana, Sucre state, was assassinated yesterday morning, triggering an occupation of that factory and quick investigations by government bodies.

Venezuela Initiates Production of Generic Medicines and Cell Phones

On Sunday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez inaugurated a new pharmaceutical production center in Caracas, allocated funding to build another similar one, inaugurated 11o new medical centers, and released the country's first locally manufactured mobile phone, bringing Venezuela a few steps closer to economic sovereignty.

Venezuelan President Calls for "Re-definition" of Socialist Party

On his weekly talk show Aló Presidente on Sunday, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez said the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), of which he is president, will undergo a "re-definition" in which sectarianism and corrupt party leadership must end and the party must strengthen its ties to social movements.

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Also check out some of this week's thought provoking analysis articles- on land reform, on fighting corruption and bureaucracy, and the financial crisis, and on the politics behind Manuel Rosales' "asylum" in Peru.

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/

Have great weekends,

Tamara for venezuelanalysis.com