Citgo: A Chavez-Kennedy enterprise?

Many of us have seen the CITGO, the Venezuelan-owned oil company TV commercials running across the United States, which promote discounted heating oil to low-income people. Some wonder how can this be possible: Hugo Chávez helping the poor in the US? Chávez has allied himself with staunch enemies of this country such as Iran and Cuba. He has even vowed to bring down the US government. So it is strange, to say the least, that the ads feature Americans expressing gratitude for the program. What’s really behind all this?.

NEWS:

• Venezuela: Hugo Chávez raises nuclear plant idea. Chávez shifts ethanol stance to ease dispute with Brazil. Venezuela threatens no oil takeover compensation.
• Lula and Chavez initiate Petrochemical Complex.
• Brazil won’t join ‘Bank of the South.’ 20 die in Rio de Janeiro as drug gangs battle police.
• Date set for Colombia-Venezuela Pipeline. Colombians march against FARC bombing. ELN say ready for talks on ending fighting.
• Nicaragua: Ortega slams US ethanol campaign.  
• Bolivian protesters seize gas pipeline to Argentina.
• Perú: No negotiations with coca protesters backed by drug cartels.
• Ecuador: Correa won the Referendum.
• Costa Rica to vote on CAFTA.
• Mexico: 100 police officers arrested allegedly linked to organized crime.  
• Chile: Chavez apologizes for outburst against Chilean Congress.

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