US to alert fellow countries against Chávez' moves in the region
 |
| Noriega warned against Chávez' "suspicious links" with destabilizing forces in the hemisphere
(Photo: Archivo / El Universal) |
| |
| |  |
|
US Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs
Roger Noriega Wednesday stated that the United States intends
to make Venezuela's fellow countries more aware of the "destabilization
acts" Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez insists on.
The countries of the region are expected to "join us in the
defense of the region's stability, safety, and prosperity,"
Noriega added.
"I am not saying that Venezuela is to be isolated, but Chávez
must be asked more frequently about his intentions and his stance
vis-à-vis guerrilla groups."
Noriega´s statements came during a hearing of the Inter
American Affairs Undercommittee of the Senate Foreign Affairs
Commission. The White House is concerned about the risk that
"Chávez' personal agenda undermines the democratic institutions
in Venezuela and its fellow countries as well," Noriega said
as quoted by news agency AP.
"In spite of all our efforts to establish a normal working
relation with the (Venezuelan) government, Chávez insists
on opposing the US," the US Assistant Secretary of State said.
Venezuelan President's efforts to "consolidate power, his dubious
relations with destabilizing forces across the region, and his
weapons purchase plans (with Russia) are the greatest causes
of concern for the US administration."
Noriega ensured that the United States shall continue supporting
"democratic elements" in Venezuela so that they "carry on
occupying the political space they deserve."
|
