Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, when asked about the half-yearly meeting of the Inter-American Press Association (IAPA) to be held March 28-30 in Caracas, commented, "They will surely launch a condemnation from Caracas against us for violating freedom of expression."
 
"They claim we have a dictatorship. But they are in Caracas saying whatever they want to say. This is cynicism turned into communication. There are very powerful forces trying to prevent our union," said Chávez.
 
The Venezuelan ruler stated that in parallel to the IAPA meeting, a forum would be held in Caracas to reject what he branded as "media terrorism."
 
"I have been invited to both meetings. I do not know whether I will go. I have so many items in my agenda. Yet a serious debate is taking place there in connection with democracy and freedom of thought," added Chávez.