January 18

Chilean president-elect disagrees with Chávez
Chilean president-elect, right-wing businessman Sebastián Piñera, admitted that he is at odds with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, but said that during his administration he will seek to maintain the best relations with Venezuela.

"I disagree with the way public issues are handled in Venezuela," he said at a press conference with foreign correspondents, a day after he won the run-off election to ruling party presidential candidate Eduardo Frei, AFP reported.

"I want to say it clear, these discrepancies are profound and have to do with the way democracy is conceived and implemented, the way the model of economic development is carried out, and many more," he said.

However, Piñera added that he believes in the "self-determination of the peoples and the non-intervention in the domestic affairs of other countries. Therefore, we will seek to improve relations with all Latin American countries, including Venezuela, for our mutual benefit."

President Michelle Bachelet said she had invited the president-elect to the Rio Group Summit to be held on February 21 in Cancun, Mexico.

January 20

Chávez: We keep out of Chileans' business
After saying that "the hemispheric rightwing" is overexcited, Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez lambasted on January 20 the remarks made by Chilean president-elect Sebastián Piñera, who claimed that he did not share the practice of democracy in Venezuela.

"He is a businessman; I think he is among the richest in Chile; and among the richest in the hemisphere. We respect that. But we cannot allow them to pick a fight with us. I expect that Mr. Piñera will not purport to turn Chile into another platform to attack Venezuela," the president said.

Chávez said that Piñera's disagreements with the Venezuelan revolution were expected, considering that he is a wealthy businessman.

"The least we can ask for is respect for the Venezuelan people, as we respect the Chilean people. We do not get involved in Chileans' matters, so they should mind their own business."

January 21

Chilean President elect replies: "I have the right to express my opinion"
Sebastián Piñera, Chile's president-elect, claimed to respect "all countries and governments". He added, however, that he has also the right to express his opinion, responding to criticisms made on January 20 by Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez.

Chávez lambasted the remarks made by Chilean president-elect during an event in Caracas. He urged Piñera to mind his own business and do not get involved in Venezuelan affairs. "We do not get involved in Chileans' matters, so they should mind their own business," Chávez said.

On January 20 at night, Piñera replied to Chávez from the northern Chilean city of Coquimbo. The president-elect said: "I respect all countries and governments but I also have the right to express my opinion."

"What I have said is that the way we want to achieve democracy in Chile and the way the model of economic development is carried out (in our country) is very different from the model implemented by President Chávez in Venezuela," he added.