President Chávez's party bars pro-government governor

Venezuela's Vice President Elías Jaua read a communiqué rejecting the behavior of the governor of the state of Monagas, José Gregorio Briceño, a member of the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). The document highlighted "the violation of the ethical standards by an activist of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV)."

Jaua added that the PSUV had issued several warnings to Briceño in the past three years over "his public statements against PSUV activists and government officials," and stressed that Briceño disregarded such warnings. As a result, "the community of PSUV activists" has decided to suspend him and open disciplinary proceedings against him.

"In defense of the activists of (ruling) United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and PSUV's ethical code, we have decided to suspend José Gregorio Briceño for serious offenses against the revolution. The party has started disciplinary proceedings against him," Jaua said.