The U.S. revokes visas of 17 pilots who fly the Caracas-Miami route for Venezuelan airline

AP ^ | Dec 19, 2003

[witnesstothefall]

CARACAS, Venezuela -- The U.S. State Department revoked the visas of 17 pilots who fly the Caracas-Miami route for the privately owned Aeropostal Alas de Venezuela airline, the company's president said.

The local El Universal quoted Nelson Ramiz on Friday as saying the visas for pilots subcontracted by the airline were suspended last week without any explanation from the U.S. government.

Ramiz said the airline has requested an explanation from the U.S. consul in Venezuela, but has yet to receive an answer.

Aeropostal, said Ramiz, was temporarily contracting U.S. pilots to cover the route, Venezuela's most popular international route, so the airline does not have to suspend flights.

Ramiz said the measure would "limited operations" nonetheless and hurt tourism in this South America country of 24 million struggling through one of its worst economic recessions in decades.

The pilots work or the U.S.-based Falcon Corp., which has sent a representative to Washington to inquire why the visas were revoked, said Ramiz.

A spokeswoman for the U.S. Embassy in Caracas confirmed the visa suspension, adding that an official statement on the issue would be issued by the diplomatic mission soon.

[witnesstothefall]

Things that make you go hmmmmmmmm.

[Frank_Discussion]

Yes. Do Tell.

?

[Callahan]

The Lefties are going to flip. They love Venezuala. It' the their new Cuba.

[goodnesswins]

Do a search just here on FR by title using "Al Quaida Venezuela" as search item......and I think it gets explained.

[AdamSelene235]

Its rumored that Cuba has moved a bio-weapons facility to Venezuela. Chavez trades guns for dope with Columbia's FARC. Now, what better way to clandestinely and simultaneously introduce a bioweapon into America's urban centers than to spike the drug supply with a bioweapon. After all, these materials are being smuggled directly into the bloodstreams and noses of America.

[livius]

Good. Venezuela is quietly becoming an extremely dangerous place. I'm glad to know we've got our eye on them.

[Libertarianize the GOP]

ping

[pabianice]

"Screech! Racism!"

[Shermy]

Good. Venezuela is quietly becoming an extremely dangerous place. I'm glad to know we've got our eye on them.

Ditto.

Ex-Miss Venezuela is kidnapped, forced to sign copies of new nude calendar

[Murtyo]

can't the pilots just stay on the plane in Miami??

[blam]

How many have 'Mohammad' as a part of their name?

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Good!