MARÍA DANIELA ESPINOZA
EL UNIVERSAL

Reporters without Borders (RWB) is preparing for international "mobilization" to reject the "political move" the Venezuelan government took not to renew the broadcast license for private television station RCTV.

The organization described RCTV as "the only channel with nationwide coverage that had not changed its editorial stance and which criticized" the Venezuelan government.

The campaign "will try to avoid" similar moves to be enforced against other media in Venezuela.

RWB secretary-general Robert Ménard said next week the organization is taking the floor at the Human Rights Council of the United Nations and is appearing before a number of European governments "in order to ask them how they can remain silent vis-à-vis the situation in Venezuela." "Nobody can have any doubt that an authoritarian regime is being installed in this country."

Ménard "honestly" conceded that their actions would not have a direct impact on Venezuela, as "the UN is not empowered to determine the rule of law in the country." He warned, however, that the crusade RWB is undertaking is intended to encourage "debate among the members of the international community about the things that are happening here."
 
In Ménard's view, non renewal of the broadcast license for RCTV "is likely the first major international political mistake ever" made by President Chávez. According to Ménard, it was a decision contrary to the people's will, even against "the government supporters," and this is likely to "undeceive many people abroad who were acquiescent to his policies."

"The resolution voted by the European Parliament a few days ago represents the first time this body takes a stance regarding the situation facing Venezuela. For the first time, the European leftwing, many European parliamentarians told me they were astonished at the facts in Venezuela, even though the leftwing voted against the resolution."

Ménard also underscored "the arrogance and despise exhibited by Mr. President Chávez when treating the international justice."

Responding to some claims in Europe that all of the media in Venezuela are opposed to Chávez, Ménard said 63 pro-government newspapers have been created under this government and that government mandatory nationwide radio and TV broadcast exceed 1,000 hours over the last eight hours. "Mr. Chávez holds a hegemonic position with regard to the media."

Ménard branded as "deceitful" the claims that "Mr. Chávez uses to be slightly authoritarian, but since he is implementing a social progressive policy, he should be allowed to harm freedoms." According to Ménard, endorsing such a stance would amount to say that "indeed Mr. Mussolini was a fascist, dictator and authoritarian ruler at a point, but he made a network of roads in Italy that is unique in the world."

Claiming that the move against RCTV "is not based on a legal or administrative ruling," Ménard rejected the "masquerade" of the Venezuelan high court's rulings. "In other words, the Supreme Tribunal of Justice does what Mr. Chávez wants them to do, and says things according to the pace Mr. Chávez wants them to say."

Translated by Maryflor Suárez R.
msuarez@eluniversal.com