Civil disobedience, Chavez, and democracy

The Constitutional reform in Venezuela that is scheduled to be ratified by popular referendum is having major repercussions in Venezuela now. President Hugo Chavez has been gradually reducing the power of civil society in Venezuela for the last several years. This present constitutional reform, which is another step in the same direction, has generated a stronger reaction. What we are facing now is probably the largest civil protests in Venezuela since February 2003 when groups in civil society were struggling to hold a re-call referendum on Chavez. To learn more please open the attachment.

To our readers:

Due to the dire situation inside Venezuela, the staff at the Americas Report will publish daily news briefs between now and December 2, 2007 when the Chavez "reforms" are due to voted on by the electorate. In addition to keeping our readers informed of the latest news coming out of Venezuela, we also want to salute the courage of the students and all those in opposition to this latest attempt by Mr. Chavez to turn Venezuela into a totalitarian state. We welcome your comments and any information you believe is relevant to the situation. We may be contacted at: [email protected].

A Nuestros Lectores:

Debido a la terrible situación que se esta viviendo actualmente en Venezuela, el equipo del "Americas Report" publicará noticias todos los días desde hoy hasta el 2 de Diciembre del 2007, fecha en la que el pueblo votara si acepta o no las "Reformas Constitucionales" de Chavez. Además de mantenerlos informados sobre los últimos acontecimientos en Venezuela, queremos felicitar a los estudiantes de ese país y opositores el régimen, por la valentía demostrada en su lucha por tratar de impedir que el Sr. Chavez convierta a Venezuela en un país totalitario. Con gusto recibiremos y leeremos sus comentarios y cualquier información relevante con respecto a esta situación. Nos podrán contactar al: [email protected].

Main News:

• Ortega angers Spanish monarch during Ibero-American summit
• Brazil and Argentina discuss nuclear, oil cooperation.
• Venezuelan leader eager to start nuclear program. Ahmadinejad and Chavez predict fall of US ‘empire.’ Chavez and Ahmadinejad sign 186 accords. US lawmakers alarmed by Chávez’s plan for nuclear energy program in Venezuela. OPEC summit closes in Saudi Arabia. Chavez starts OPEC summit with $200 oil warning. Venezuela’s Chavez demands Spanish king apologize. Chavez warns Europeans not to side with US on Iran nuclear standoff. Reporters without Borders criticize Chávez in letter to Sarkozy. First Chinese oilrigs arrive in Venezuela. Chávez, Sarkozy deal with humanitarian swap in Colombia. Foreign investment in Venezuela down USD 317 million. Globovisión fears termination of license by Venezuelan government. IAPA: Freedom of expression and private property are at stake in Venezuela. National Assembly interrogates three university presidents. Chávez has no proof of life of Betancourt.
• Colombia sets a deadline for Chávez’s mediation. EU reiterates support for Chávez’s mediation in Colombia. Colombian government-ELN to resume peace talks in Caracas.
• Alan García invites Chávez to invest in Peru. Peru’s Government to Track 3,000 Ex-convicts and Freed Terrorists.
• Interpol Approves Warrants to Arrest Iranians for AMIA Bombing.

View the full version of the Americas Report (PDF) 

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