Posted on 04/19/2002 2:35:06 AM PDT by sleavelessinseattle
WASHINGTON (April 18, 2002 5:09 p.m. EDT) - President Bush said Thursday a lack of respect for basic freedoms in Venezuela contributed to the political upheaval that nearly derailed the country's 43-year-old democracy.
Bush urged President Hugo Chavez to respect democratic values and accused him of taking steps to "shut the press down" last week during a mass demonstration against his rule.
Bush spoke hours before the Organization of American States was to open a special session on Venezuela and make recommendations on how to avoid future crises.
Bush dismissed suggestions the United States welcomed the attempt to remove Chavez from office.
"The administration was very clear when there were troubles on the streets in Venezuela that we support democracy and did not support any extraconstitutional action," he said.
"My administration spoke with a very clear voice about our strong support of democracy."
Critics have noted that the administration expressed no regret when Chavez was placed in military custody after a mass anti-government uprising April 11.
The administration did join with other OAS countries in condemning what it said was an unconstitutional attempt to replace Chavez, who returned to power Sunday.
"If there are lessons to be learned, it's important that he learn them," Bush said, suggesting that the uprising was based on curtailment of freedom in Venezuela under Chavez.
"It's very important for him to embrace the institutions that are fundamental to democracy, such as freedom of the press, freedom of the opposition to speak out," Bush said after a White House meeting with Colombian President Andres Pastrana.
Freedom House, the New York-based group that monitors rights issues around the world, sees Venezuela as a midrange country on protection of freedom.
With 1 the best ranking and 7 the worst, Venezuela was rated a 3 for political rights and a 5 for civil liberties in 2001.
Bush noted that when last week's protests reached a peak, the government pulled the plug on private television networks that were covering the event.
The State Department said last week Chavez provoked the coup by ordering supporters to open fire on demonstrators. More than 10 were killed and hundreds were wounded.
The Pentagon said Thursday it had suspended counterdrug training with Venezuela and is assessing what to do about other military-to-military programs with the country.
The U.S. Southern Command said two dozen U.S. Army trainers who were supposed to have gone to Venezuela Friday as the coup was unfolding were first put on hold, then told Sunday the trip was off for now.
At the OAS meeting, Secretary-General Cesar Gaviria planned to report on his fact-finding mission this week to Venezuela.
This brings me no comfort. I mean, did he mean Tom Daschle's Democratic values? This could be a fearful thing.
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