CARACAS, Wednesday January 25, 2006 | Update
The Sixth World Social Forum opened Wednesday with its annual
marathon of debates at the height of the "Bolivarian revolution"
and a marked participation of the government of President
Hugo Chávez, who arouses as much adherence as distrust
among activists, Efe reported.
As stated in the Charter of Principles, the World Social
Forum is "plural, diversified, non-confessional, non-governmental
and non-party context that, in a decentralized fashion, interrelates
organizations and movements engaged in concrete action at
levels from the local to the international to built another
world."
Additionally, it states that the involvement of governments
and political parties is possible by invitation and for some
specific activity.
However, in Caracas, Chavezism is present not only in hundred
proposed activities, but also with regard to organization.
To those willing to learn about the process heralded by President
Hugo Chávez, hosts offer tours on impoverished areas
in the capital city, where the government has focused the
development of social programs.
Also, for the first time in the history of such events, the
Internet site of the meeting contains widespread advertising
on the "accomplishments and progress" in Venezuela since 1999,
when President Chávez took over.
02:57 PM. HEAVY RAINS. Venezuelan Executive Vice-President Elias Jaua reported that the government is designing plans to support farmers, cattlemen and peasants of the state of Mérida who have been hit by heavy rains that have caused crop losses.