Recently Ousted Communist President Hugo Chavez Reclaims Power in Venezuela [Excerpt] HIS RETURN SHORTLY after 3 a.m. followed the resignation of Pedro Carmona, who resigned amid violent protests after just one day in office as interim president of Venezuela, the No. 3 supplier of oil to the United States.
Chavez's vice president, Diosdado Cabello, had declared himself acting president until Chavez's return from military custody. He appeared healthy and hugged
supporters as a military band played. Chavez's family, supporters and former government officials insisted he never resigned as president, as Carmona and Venezuela's high command claimed.
In a largely conciliatory speech, Chavez later told a news conference he had not been mistreated and recognized that both his government and his opponents had made mistakes. "There isn't going to be any retaliation, no witch hunt. I haven't any thirst for revenge," Chavez said, calling for his supporters who rioted on the streets in support of his return on Saturday to go quietly back to their homes. State prosecutors were interviewing Carmona and several senior military officers at the Fuerte Tiuna military base, even though they were not formally under arrest, Chavez's defense minister, Jose Vicente Rangel, said. [End Excerpt]
In a largely conciliatory speech, ..... Lies for media consumption and regurgitation.
I agree. Chavez is very dangerous. And this new turn of events is going to make him more so.