A heated discussion erupted on Wednesday at the OAS after Venezuela harshly criticized the Inter American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) for a report published last week claiming that Venezuelan democracy has weakened .

During a session of the OAS Permanent Council, the United States, Canada and Panama advocated the work of the IACHR -an independent branch of the Organization of American States (OAS)- and questioned the fact that Venezuela, rather than complying with the recommendations of the Commission, has replied by attacking the body.

Roy Chaderton, the Venezuelan Ambassador to the OAS, lambasted the IACHR for failing to react to a popular uprising in February 1989 in Caracas, known as the "Caracazo," which was strongly repressed and left 300 dead according to official figures.

"This collective carnage did not ignite any major condemnation because Venezuela was supposed to be the most democratic country in Latin America," said Chaderton.

"At this point, the IACHR has not recognized its silence and tragic inaction," lamented Chaderton, who said that some authorities of the IACHR have said "sarcastically" that the Commission "does not make self-criticisms."

The IACHR "is biased against Venezuela," added Chaderton, accusing the Commission of having recognized the de facto government that was installed during a short-lived coup against President Hugo Chávez in April 2002.

The IACHR report released last week claimed that the rule of law in Venezuela has been undermined by the lack of separation of powers, which severely restricts human rights, AFP reported.

"We reject the disturbing pattern of the Venezuelan government to respond to criticism with documents that seek to discredit the bodies," said the representative of Canada, Graeme Clark.

"Venezuela's response has been to close the door to dialogue," lamented US representative Carmen Lomellin.

In a letter to the Permanent Council, the IACHR stated that in a 1998 decision, the Venezuelan State was held accountable for the "Caracazo," and the Commission made recommendations. As Venezuela failed to comply, the Commission took the case to the Court.

The Court ruled in 2002 and ordered the Venezuelan State to investigate the facts, compensate the victims and improve the security forces.

In January, the IACHR noted "the failure to make significant progress in compliance" with the ruling of the Court.