RAQUEL BARREIRO
EL UNIVERSAL

The higher agrarian court in southwestern Barinas state dismissed an appeal the lawyer of the Azpúrua family, owner of La Marqueseña ranch, filed seeking reversion of the moves the National Land Institute (INTI) and the National Armed Force have made to take over and confine the estate.

Miguel Ángel Lugo, lawyer of La Marqueseña ranch, explained that he is going to seek annulment of this ruling before the Supreme Tribunal of Justice within the next three days.
 
"The court turned a blind eye to what is happening at the ranch. Workers there are prohibited to come in or out. Carlos Azpúrua (owner of the estate) cannot leave either, as they would not let him back in. Many rights have been violated in this case, and we are going to file an appeal with the Supreme Tribunal of Justice," Lugo added.
 
Meanwhile, Azpúrua said that on Thursday cattle was sent to a slaughterhouse, as scheduled. Some 1,200 liters of milk were shipped, but the harvest of corn, maintenance of sorghum growing areas and paddocks were not allowed.

"I should stress that my lawyers were not let in the ranch," Azpúrua declared.

Deadline

Richard Vivas, president of the National Land Institute (INTI), told a TV show that "the deadline for them (the Azpúrua family) to exercise their right to defense expires" next Wednesday.
 
Lugo asserted that this is the deadline the Azpúruas have to submit to INTI the land titles showing their ownership, thus proving that La Marqueseña is a private property rather than wasteland.

"These documents attesting to the tradition of the ranch, and showing that this is private property, were already delivered to INTI, both regionally and in Caracas," Lugo said.

He clarified that in the event that INTI, following review of such documents, formally and ex officio declares La Marqueseña is wasteland, and then the Azpúruas would have 60 days to exercise their right to defense.

Further, the lawyer explained that regarding an action intended to declare La Marqueseña idle, the Azpúruas have 40 days to exercise their right to defense.

"Anyway, I have to say that these plots of land are fully productive, despite statements otherwise."

Translated by Maryflor Suárez R.