 U.S. Embassy, Caracas: Empty hallways |
Posted on 12/28/2002 10:40:23 AM PST by shanec
Venezuelan Conflict Worsens, American Embassy Evacuates Staff
U.S. Embassy, Caracas: Empty hallways |
"- Extremely concerned." Those are the words of Charles Shapiro, the United States Ambassador in Caracas, Venezuela. Friday, Shapiro met with Venezuela's strongman Hugo Chavez in the Miraflores presidential palace to once again urge for a political solution involving free and democratic elections.
But Chavez is not a democrat, and although he was democratically elected, he no longer believes in allowing his people the right to vote. After having publicly announced his plans to stay in office until at least the year 2021, he has repeatedly stalled and obstructed all opposition attempts to force early elections, and has provoked the largest and most damaging general strike in his country's history.
In the absence of a democratic solution to the crisis in Venezuela, violence could erupt at any time, and Americans in the country are now being evacuated urgently. In the embassy, the hallways are empty.
" - We have closed the trade and commerce office in the embassy and we are extremely concerned," Mr Shapiro said.
Two-thirds of embassy staff has already left the country, and more will follow in the coming days.
The State Department has issued an official travel warning, advising all U.S. citizens to defer all travel to Venezuela, and urging those already in Venezuela to leave. The warning mentions "the deteriorating political and security situation in Venezuela and accompanying severe shortages."
American citizens to be airlifted out
The U.S. embassy has quietly rented the equivalent of nearly two floors of the Marriott Hotel in the El Rosal district, which has a heliport, for use as "a congregation point for evacuating U.S. citizens." Sources at the Marriott Hotel verified the accuracy of this report.
The consular section of the embassy announced Friday that no new visas will be issued until further notice. That includes tourist visas as well as business visas, student visas, work permits, residency applications and other types of visas.
A consular spokesman would not comment when asked if the measure had anything to do with the proven instances of terrorists being issued official Venezuelan passports by the Chavez government. But closing the consulate automatically shuts the main route for those terror groups to gain entry to the United States, and thus forces them to seek less direct ways of access.
A dozen countries, among them Britain and Australia, have also withdrawn diplomatic staff and urged their citizens to not go to Venezuela. With Chavez clinging desperately to power and not willing to resolve the conflict by democratic means, the risk of mass bloodshed grows every day.
Unsuccesful appeal for a democratic solution
Friday in the Miraflores stronghold, Charles Shapiro was not able to make Hugo Chavez listen. His direct appeal to Hugo Chavez for a democratic solution fell of deaf ears. Still, after meeting with Chavez, ambassador Shapiro maintained his position that both the government and the democratic opposition must see eye to eye before the situation turns violent:
" - It's extremely important for both sides to reach a political agreement, a democratic agreement, a constitutional agreement, an electoral agreement."
Chavez claims that the Venezuelan constitution does not allow him to call elections. The opposition counters that this is not true; pointing to the constitution's article 233 which the president can apply to pave the way for free and democratic elections within a month.
The opposition, which includes pot-banging house wives, political parties, unions and business leaders, accuse President Chavez of economic mismanagement and authoritarian rule.
" - This is a fight of a people who are demanding liberty!" said Timoteo Zambrano, former congressman from the Social Democratic party and an opposition negotiator at talks sponsored by the Organisation of American States.
The eyes of the world are on Venezuela.
" - We are tired of dictators", says Zambrano, "and just want Chavez to do the right thing: Let the voters decide."
December 28, 2002
WEll, I for one, realize it. That is why I am very concerned about anything that threatens it.
Aruba and Curacao have the means to ship in large quantities of Amstel and Heinekein if the US refuses to act. Next we'll hear that there is a shortage of Cacique (Venezuelan rum).
The person we can blame for obstructing Mr. Reich's placement is leaky Leahy, Democrat Senator from Vermont.
And the media labels him pugnacious. Hugo Chavez - Venezuela
Be afraid, Hugo. Be very afraid.
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