In response to reports that Colombia may not open seven of its military bases to United States military personnel as previously planned, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said the decision reflects “rationality, common sense, and responsibility.”
It's no fun being on Washington's enemies list. Just ask Hugo Chavez. Last week, the Venezuelan president had to cancel a trip to Cuba after he was told that a coup was underway and his life was in danger.
By Jorge Martín - In Defence of Marxism, Jul 28th 2010
On Thursday, July 22, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez decided to put the border with Colombia on maximum military alert, after Colombian president Alvaro Uribe made accusations that Venezuela was harbouring FARC guerrillas and demanded an “international commission of enquiry.”
Following Colombian accusations before the Organisation of American States (OAS) yesterday that Venezuela is “protecting” its guerrillas, Chavez announced that Venezuela would break off diplomatic relations with Colombia and withdraw its ambassador. Venezuelan institutions and international social organisations have expressed their support for Venezuela, while the U.S has supported Colombia’s proposal to the OAS.
Following accusations by the Colombian government that Venezuela is purposefully tolerating the presence of Colombian guerrilla “terrorists” in its territory, Venezuelan government officials have responded, saying the accusations are part of a “defamation” media campaign and attempts by the outgoing Colombian government to prevent good relations between the two countries.
Luis Britto Garcia examines the dynamics of war and peace in Venezuela, its risk to other countries, and the risk of, nature of , and motivations for war towards it, especially by the United States and Colombia.
By Benjamin Dangl - The Progressive, Mar 23rd 2010
On the shores of the Magdalena River, in a lush green valley dotted with cattle ranches and farms, sits the Palanquero military base, an outpost equipped with Colombia’s longest runway, housing for 2,000 troops, a theater, a supermarket, and a casino.
By Eva Golinger, Mike Whitney- Information Clearing House, Dec 21st 2009
An interview with writer Eva Golinger, touching on issues from the social and economic changes in Venezuela, to Chavez's authority, to the U.S. bases in Colombia, ALBA, and the U.S's role in fomenting instability in Venezuela.
The
announcement in mid-July of the near completion of an agreement to allow the
U.S. military to lease space at seven Colombian bases prompted nearly unanimous
rejection from South American governments. In the meantime, other South American nations have begun to arm
themselves.
