Cuba (Castro) calls its Latin neighbors 'Judases' for their plans to vote on human rights measure *** HAVANA - Cuba sent a chill across Latin America by characterizing regional neighbors as "Judases" for their plan to support an annual U.N. vote calling for Cuba to examine its human rights record. A majority of Latin American nations have said they plan to join the vote expected Friday before the U.N. Human Relations Commission in Geneva, asking Cuba's communist government to grant its citizens individual liberties such as freedom of speech, the press, association, assembly.
The administration of Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez is among few in the hemisphere expected to side with Cuba and vote against the measure. Cuba backed Chavez's return to power on Sunday after a two-day military coup. "The government of the United States - using its preferred weapons of pressure and blackmail and with the humiliating servility of some governments in the region - seeks tomorrow in Geneva to execute a new maneuver against Cuba," the Communist Party daily Granma said Thursday.***
In Venezuela, Chavez Starts Shuffling Disloyal Officers***Mr. Chávez, who returned to office on Sunday with the help of loyal officers, has replaced top generals and reorganized the high command of the navy, which had led the anti-Chávez movement in the military. "He is trying to strengthen his hold on the top people," said Fernando Ochoa, a former defense minister and member of an organization of retired military officers who have been sharply critical of Mr. Chávez. "He's been dedicated to putting people loyal to him in those positions, people who would help him." Mr. Chávez, 47, who reached the rank of colonel during his army career, has insisted that the armed forces firmly support him. He has said that some officers who appeared at news conferences last Thursday to denounce him had been manipulated by higher-ups.***