01-31-2009

PDVSA PLANS TO CUT 3,000 JOBS AFTER HUGO CHAVEZ'S REELECTION REFERENDUM 

        CARACAS, VENEZUELA--State oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (Pdvsa) is planning to cut 3,000 jobs after February 15, said a trade union leader who was advised of a meeting taking place between government officials and oil contractors.  Union leader Froilán Barrios said that, according to sources of the oil industry, Pdvsa is slashing jobs to cope with the output cuts enforced under the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and to mitigate the financial impact that falling oil prices in international markets are having on the holding.

    Barrios stressed that some companies working for Pdvsa, such as Halliburton and Merck, announced at their meeting with Venezuelan officials that they are going to cut their payrolls by 300 workers and 500 workers, respectively.  According to the latest official figures, Pdvsa's payroll amounted to 70,246 workers until September 2008, and there were additional 19,968 workers in the payrolls of contractor companies. The elimination of 3,000 jobs would represent more than 4 percent of the workforce of the state-run oil company. 

     Further, the union leader said that the original purpose of the meeting, which was attended by representatives of the Finance Committee, National Assembly, the Executive Office and Pdvsa, was to inform Pdvsa's oil contractors that the oil conglomerate could not honor the payments due, as they need the resources to fund the electoral campaign ahead of a referendum to amend the Constitution in order to establish endless reelection of elected officials. According to Barrios, who is the executive secretary of the Venezuelan Workers' Confederation (CTV), "Pdvsa said to contractors: 'you ought to afford payrolls, and any companies that do not pay workers will not be taken into account for future business with Pdvsa.'"  Pdvsa has not made any payments to contractors since last December 28. As a result, some contractor companies have been forced to temporarily halt their operations, pending payments by Pdvsa.

HUGO CHAVEZ ARRIVED IN BRAZIL TO ATTEND THE WORLD SOCIAL FORUM

        BELEN DE PARA, BRAZIL--Hugo Chávez arrived on Thursday in Belém do Pará, northeastern Brazil, to hold a discussion with social groups along with four heads of state within the framework of the Ninth World Social Forum (WSF) 2009.

    Activists and participants in the WSF will have the opportunity to make proposals aimed at solving common issues during the event attended by Chávez and the Presidents of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Bolivia, Evo Morales; Paraguay, Fernando Lugo and Ecuador, Rafael Correa, Venezuelan state news agency ABN reported.

    The discussion between social movements and the Presidents is expected to focus on the impact of the global financial crisis, environmental deterioration, especially in the Amazon, agricultural and food problems and world peace, among others. According to organizers, more than 120,000 people have registered as well as over 5,000 delegates from 150 countries. There will be approximately 2,400 activities.

TOP ISRAELI OFFICIALS NAMED AS SUSPECTS IN A WAR CRIMES INVESTIGATION NY A SPANISH MAGISTRATE

      JERUSALEN, ISRAEL---SPAIN’S HIGH COURT names former Israeli Defense Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer and six other Israelis. Israel's Infrastructure Minister Benjamin Ben-Eliezer is one of seven Israelis under investigation by Spain's National Court over a 2002 bombing in Gaza that killed 15 people and injured more than 150 others. He was then the defense minister. "This is a ridiculous decision and, even more than ridiculous, it is outrageous," Ben-Eliezer said. "Terror organizations are using the courts in the free world, the methods of democratic countries, to file suit against a country that is operating against terror."

    The case, brought by the Palestinian relatives of some of the deceased, names Ben-Eliezer and six other Israeli top military commanders and security officials at the time. The National Court said it has jurisdiction to investigate the case, and that initial evidence suggests the bombing "should be considered a crime against humanity," according to a court order. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning the action. "The Spanish magistrate's decision is unacceptable, and Israel will use all the means at its disposal to cancel it," the statement said. " One way or another, Israel will guarantee, and provide full legal counsel, to all members of the armed forces who worked in the name of the state of Israel."

    The court has previously taken on other high-profile human-rights cases outside of Spain, such as charges against former Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet and more recently against the former military leaders of El Salvador. The court says that if a potential human-rights crime is not being investigated by the country in question, Spain can proceed, under international law. The Israeli case involves the July 22, 2002, bombing in Gaza of the home of a suspected Hamas commander, Salah Shehadeh. The blast killed him and members of a Palestinian family named Mattar. They lived next door. Some of their relatives brought the suit to the court in August.

01-30-2009

CUBAN DICTATOR RAUL CASTRO HOLDS INFORMAL TALKS WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT MEDVEDEV

        MOSCOW, RUSSIA--Cuban DICTATOR Raul Castro talked informally with the Russian president at a government resort north of Moscow on Thursday at the start of a visit intended to invigorate ties between the Cold War allies. Castro and President Dmitry Medvedev met at a lavish hunting lodge at snow-covered Zavidovo, about 90 miles (150 kilometers) north of Moscow, before more formal talks Friday in the Kremlin.

    Castro's eight-day visit is part of a push by Moscow to strengthen its influence in Latin America. Medvedev visited Cuba and other Latin American nations in November, and Russia also sent a navy squadron to the Caribbean.  At Zavidovo on Thursday, Medvedev helped wrap a coat around Castro's shoulders when he emerged from a car. The pair exchanged pleasantries in front of a fireplace before heading out for a stroll in the wintry woods and sharing a hearty hunter's dinner.

    Medvedev said they would talk about serious matters, but there was also time for some of the reminiscing that officials from former Soviet allies often engage in when visiting today's Russia. Medvedev said Castro - 77-year-old brother of the former Cuban leader Fidel Castro - had been to the same spot nearly 25 years ago, and Castro recalled eating salo - pork fat - roasted over an open fire in the forest. "We will of course eat salo with black bread and we will talk about everything of interest to us," said Medvedev. "I also have a film about Commandante Fidel Castro's stay, and there are interesting photos here." "Of course I was younger then," said Castro. Along with the roasted fat of wild boars, the menu featured grilled venison and vodka.

IRANIAN PRESIDENT MAHMOUD AHMADINEJAD DEMANDS "PROFOUND CHANGES" IN US FOREIGN POLICY

        TEHRAN, IRAN--Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad called for "profound changes" in U.S. foreign policy on Wednesday, including giving up support for Israel, during an address to thousands of people in the western city of Kermanshah. President Obama on Tuesday, in an interview with Arabic television, called for more dialogue with Iran to express difference and see "where there are potential avenues for progress." Without mentioning President Barack Obama by name, Ahmadinejad Wednesday repeatedly referred to those who want to bring "change," a word used often in Obama's election campaign, and indicated that Iran would be looking to see if there would be substantive differences in U.S. policy.

    "We welcome change but on condition that change is fundamental and on the right track," Ahmadinejad said. "When they say 'we want to make changes', change can happen in two ways. First is a fundamental and effective change... The second ... is a change of tactics." Ahmadinejad also demanded the U.S. apologize for 'crimes' committed against Iran; specifically, criticizing and trying to block their nuclear program. "Those who say they want to make change, this is the change they should make: they should apologize to the Iranian nation and try to make up for their dark background and the crimes they have committed against the Iranian nation," Ahmadinejad said.

    Later Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told reporters that the U.S. administration is undertaking a wide-ranging and comprehensive survey of U.S. foreign policy options toward Iran. Clinton also said Iran had a "clear opportunity" to demonstrate some willingness to engage meaningfully with the international community. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Mehdi Safari, speaking in Athens, Greece, said Tuesday that it was too early to say whether relations with the United States would improve with Obama as president. Washington is at odds with Tehran over Iran's nuclear program and its Mideast policy that seeks to destroy Israel and supports the militant groups Hezbollah and Hamas. "Who has asked them (the United States) to come and interfere in the affairs of nations?" Ahmadinejad said.

PRESIDENT OBAMA TEAM DRAFTING CONCILIATORY RESPONSE TO IRANIAN PRESIDENT'S DEMANDS 

      WASHINGTON, D.C.--Officials in U.S. President Barack Obama's administration are drafting a letter to Iran from the president aimed at unfreezing relations and opening the way for direct talks, Britain's Guardian newspaper reported on Thursday. The U.S. State Department has been working on drafts of the letter since Obama was elected last November, the report said. It was a response to a letter of congratulations sent by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad after Obama's poll victory.

    The letter gives assurances that Washington does not want to overthrow the Iranian administration, but instead seeks changes in its behavior, the paper said. It would be addressed to the Iranian people and sent directly to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, or released as an open letter. In Washington, a State Department official said the policy on Iran was under review and declined to comment on whether a letter was possibly being prepared to send to the Iranians.

    "No decision on any specific policy initiative has yet been decided by the State Department," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Obama has said he was prepared to extend a hand of peace to Iran if it "unclenched its fist," a break with the hardline policy of his predecessor George W.Bush who branded Iran as part of an "axis of evil." Iran said on Wednesday it would welcome Obama's change of policy if it involved a withdrawal of U.S. troops from abroad and an apology for past "crimes" against Tehran. The Guardian said the letter was being considered by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as part of the review of U.S. policy on Iran. A decision on sending it was not expected until the review was complete.

01-29-2009

HUGO CHAVEZ WARNS AGAINST A POTENTIAL WAR IF HE STEPS DOWN

        CARACAS, VENEZUELA--During a rally with followers in Andean Táchira state, the president added that the amendment, to be voted in a referendum next February 15th, would open the doors to a "new horizon, a new democratic model" "They will try to remove all the (social welfare) programs, because they hate people," said Chávez in reference to political AD and Copei parties (File Photo)

    Venezuela's President Hugo Chávez said on Tuesday that a war would be unleashed in the country if the political parties that ruled in the past come back to office, thus arresting the development of the Bolivarian revolution. "Should the opposition take power, there will be a war; therefore, there is the need to ensure a continued Bolivarian, democratic, revolutionary process, and here it goes the proposed amendment to the Constitution" (on endless presidential reelection).

     During a rally with followers in Andean Táchira state, the president added that the amendment, to be voted in a referendum next February 15th, would open the doors to a "new horizon, a new democratic model." "They will try to remove all the (social welfare) programs, because they hate people," said Chávez in reference to political AD and Copei parties.

ISRAEL EXPELS VENEZUELA DIPLOMATS FOLLOWING SEVERANCE OF DIPLOMATIC TIES

      JERUSALEN, ISRAEL--Israel declared persona non grata the two Venezuelan diplomats accredited in Israeli territory. They were given until Thursday to leave the country, said an Israeli Foreign Ministry official.  Dorit Shavit, Deputy Director General for Latin America, Israeli Foreign Ministry, said that Israel officials handed the official notice to the two Venezuelan diplomats. The move came after Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez decided to cut relations between his country and Israel. "This is an inevitable decision after Chávez broke off ties with Israel," said the Israeli official. She added that "they were given until Thursday noon to leave the country."  

    Other diplomatic sources consulted by EFE said that the two Venezuelan officials expelled -Venezuelan Head of Mission to Israel Roland Betancourt, and Jonathan Velásquez, accredited to the Palestinian National Authority (PNA)- are likely to leave Israel and the West Bank, respectively, Wednesday afternoon to return to Venezuela.  According to Shavit, diplomatic relations can be broken by any of the parties unilaterally, which Chávez did last January 15. Consequently, the Venezuelan ruler stripped his two envoys in the area off their diplomatic statuses.

     "There is no need to reply to the severance of diplomatic ties. Therefore, what we have basically donde is asking the Chargé d'Affaires and his staff to leave Israel," the official stressed. The Israeli move puts an end to three weeks of tensions between the two governments. Tensions emerged last January 6, when Venezuela expeled Israeli Ambassador Shlomo Cohen and his staff.  Caracas argued it made the decision to reject the "massacre" and "genocide" perpetrated by Israel during the recent military attacks on the Gaza Strip, where 1,400 Palestinians, mostly civilians, were killed, and other 5,000 were injured.

01-28-2009

"AMERICANS ARE NOT YOUR ENEMY," PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA TELLS MUSLIMS 

       WASHINGTON, D.C.--President BARACK Obama said his administration will offer a hand of friendship to the Muslim world but will hunt down terrorist organizations that kill innocent civilians. "My job to the Muslim world is to communicate that the Americans are not your enemy," Obama said in an interview with Al-Arabiya, the Dubai-based satellite television network. "We sometimes make mistakes. We have not been perfect."

    During his run for the White House, Obama pledged to improve ties with the Muslim world, draw down U.S. troops in Iraq and close the detention camp at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The president also has pledged to address the Muslim world from a Muslim capital in the first 100 days of his administration. No location has been announced. Obama said the United States will go after terrorist groups that kill innocent civilians but will do so while respecting the rule of law. The president said that difference makes America great.

     The Obama administration also has taken an early interest in the Middle East peace process between the Israelis and the Palestinians, with the president naming former Sen. George Mitchell as his special envoy to the region. Mitchell is scheduled to arrive in the Mideast on Tuesday to shore up a fragile cease-fire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas leadership.

SECRETARY OF DEFENSE ROBERT GATES WARNS THE RISKS OF TROOP WITHDRAWALS

        BAGHDAD, IRAQ--Future troop cuts in Iraq will have to be done carefully, even as the shrinking numbers of forces compel a shift in the U.S. mission, Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates said. ast week, President Bush announced he would cut the size of the Iraq force by about 8,000 troops by the end of the administration. Some officers within the Pentagon had advocated swifter and deeper cuts in the size of the Iraq force, in order to free forces that could instead be sent to Afghanistan. though Bush administration officials have talked about the security gains in Iraq with a growing confidence that they will be long lasting, Gates said further withdrawals must be done in a way that does not put that success at risk.

    Shortly after his arrival, two car bombs exploded minutes apart outside two government buildings in Baghdad’s Karada district. Police said initial reports indicated at least 13 people were killed and 32 injured. The blasts occurred about 500 feet apart on the same street, where a court building and a passport office are located. ates, speaking Sunday aboard his plane en route to Iraq, praised Petraeus for his work in overhauling U.S. strategy in Iraq and said Odierno will have a difficult challenge of building on that success even as the number of U.S. forces in Iraq shrinks.

     “One of the major changes in the debate about Iraq is that it is primarily about pacing of the draw downs,” Gates said. “And there should be deference to commanders in the field on that score.” his is Gates’ eighth trip to Iraq. In addition to a series of meeting with officers and enlisted personnel, he is scheduled to meet later today with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri Maliki and Abdul Qadir Muhammed, Iraq’s defense chief. To capitalize on the success of the surge, Gates said it was critical for the Iraqi government to improve its ability to deliver public services, schedule provincial elections and make progress at reconciling the factions.

SECRETARY GATES SAID MORE TROOPS TO AFGHANISTAN BY SUMMER

      WASHINGTON, D.C.--Defense Secretary Robert Gates said the Pentagon could send two more brigades to Afghanistan by late spring and a third brigade by late summer. Gates told lawmakers on Capitol Hill Tuesday that more troops could be sent once the Defense Department is able to put a larger infrastructure in place to support them. Gates was testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee. It is his first hearing since President Obama took office and lawmakers were eager to hear details about how the new president planned to bolster operations in Afghanistan. Obama has indicated he wants to shift more military resources from Iraq to Afghanistan.

    Afghanistan is America's "greatest military challenge" and coordination of the fight against the insurgency has been "less than stellar," Gates said, adding that it will take a long and difficult fight to rout militants and help develop a nation that rejects the Islamic fundamentalist Taliban and backs its own elected government. "There is little doubt that our greatest military challenge right now is Afghanistan," Gates said.Having recently underwent an operation to repair a damaged tendon in his left arm, Gates spoke with his arm in a sling, his coat half on.

    And in the other war involving the United States, he said that although violence has remained low in Iraq, "there is still the potential for setbacks -- and there may be hard days ahead for our troops."  Security gains made in Iraq's Anbar province are often seen as a turning point in the Iraq war. Gates repeated the oft-heard assessment by field commanders that: "As in Iraq, there is no purely military solution in Afghanistan."  But, he added, "it is also clear that we have not had enough troops to provide a baseline level of security in some of the most dangerous areas -- a vacuum that increasingly has been filled by the Taliban." Gates said although more than 40 countries and hundreds of organizations are involved in Afghanistan: "Coordination of these international efforts has been less than stellar, and too often the whole of these activities has added up to less than the sum of the parts."

01-27-2009

THE EUROPEAN UNION REMOVES AN IRANIAN OPPOSITION GROUP FROM ITS TERRORIST LIST

       BRUSSELS, BELGIUM--The European Union decided Monday to remove an Iranian opposition group from the EU's terror list and lift the restrictions on its funds. Iran condemned the decision as a promotion of terrorism, and France appealed it. Iran's Foreign Ministry said the group's hands "are stained with the blood of thousands of Iranian and non-Iranian people," and that the EU decision demonstrated what it called the bloc's "double standards" in dealing with terrorism.

    The EU move also is likely to complicate already difficult efforts by the EU, the U.S. and other nations to persuade Iran to curtail its nuclear ambitions. The decision by the 27-nation bloc's foreign ministers means that as of Tuesday, the assets of the People's Mujahedeen Organization of Iran, or PMOI, will be unfrozen. It is the first time an organization has been "de-listed" by the EU. Shahin Gobadi, a spokesman for the Paris-based group said $9 million (euro7 million) had been frozen in France alone, with "tens of millions of dollars" worth of assets also locked away in other EU countries.

     The People's Mujahedeen Organization of Iran, which was blacklisted by Washington in 1997, remains on the U.S. terror list. It had been blacklisted as a terror organization by the EU since 2002, but it waged a long legal battle in the bloc's court of justice to reverse that decision. Several European Union court decisions went in the group's favor, concluding the EU had failed to properly explain why it froze the group's assets. "What we are doing today is abiding by the decision of the court. There is nothing we can do about the decision," said Javier Solana, the EU's foreign policy chief.

HUGO CHAVEZ SAID THAT PRESIDENT OBAMA IS "A MAN WITH GOOD INTENTIONS"

        CARACAS, VENEZUELA--Hugo Chávez considers that the new President of the United States, Barack Obama, is a man with good intentions. The Venezuelan leader made his remarks in the neighborhood 23 de Enero in western Caracas, where he was giving a workshop on electoral machinery to the followers of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

    "Now, he is the new President of the United States. I think it is worth giving him some time. The reflections of Fidel are very wise. Obama is a man with good intentions. He has shut by decree the prison of Guantánamo; he has banned torture. This is a very important signal."

    Chávez said that the Venezuelan government can not say that "everything coming from the United States is bad for people." He rejoiced that a man as Obama has taken office in the US and that his first measure was to sign a series of decrees to end several terror policies."

COLOMBIA AND VENEZUELA TRADE LIKELY TO INCREASE TO $ 10 BILLION

      BOGOTA, COLOMBIA--In a relaxed six-hour meeting, the presidents of Colombia, Álvaro Uribe, and Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, agreed last Saturday in the Colombian city of Cartagena de Indias to boost bilateral trade, taking it to USD 10 billion by 2010.  The proposal made by the two rulers seems ambitious. The plan undertakes to increase trade between both countries in the period by some USD 3 billion, that is 38.8 percent, compared to USD 7.2 billion in 2008, according to preliminary figures.

    In order to meet this goal, both governments will have to overcome the negative effects of the international financial crisis that is expected to shake domestic economies, demand and the cost of credit, among others, in countries worldwide.  

    The new ambassadors appointed by the government of Colombia and Venezuela, María Luisa Chiappe and Gustavo Márquez, respectively, will have to take on the challenge to resume diplomatic relations, with an emphasis on strengthening trade. During the last 10 years, the Venezuelan trade balance with respect to Colombia shows a gradual and sustained deficit. According to the statistics published by the Venezuela-Colombia Economic Integration Chamber (Cavecol), in 2007 bilateral trade amounted to USD 6.95 billion, out of which 5.21 billion were Colombian exports.

01-26-2009

HILLARY CLINTON SAID THAT CUBA SHOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE OPPORTUNITY PRESENTED BY PRESIDENT OBAMA

       WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Secretary of State  Hillary Clinton took a hawkish position on Cuba during her presidential campaign last spring, however, now, when she was asked at her congressional hearings about Obama's plans, she said:  "The President-elect is committed to lifting family travel restrictions and the remittance restriction," she said.  "...We hope that the regime in Cuba -- both Fidel and (President) Raul Castro -- will see this new administration as an opportunity to change some of their typical approaches, let those political prisoners out, be willing to, you know, open up the economy, and lift some of the oppressive strictures on the people of Cuba, and I think that there would be an opportunity that could be perhaps exploited."
 
    In response to written questions, Clinton also disclosed that the incoming administration planned to conduct a "review" of U.S. policy toward Havana that, among other issues, would include consideration of increasing U.S. agricultural sales to the island, bilateral cooperation on energy and the environment, and whether or not Cuba should be dropped from the State Department's State Sponsors of Terrorism List where it was first placed in 1982.
 
     "Senator Clinton not only made clear that the Obama administration would honor its commitment to restore Cuban-American family travel and financial support," said Sarah Stephens, whose organisation, Center for Democracy in the Americas (CDA) last week published a 100-page report on how the two countries can normalise their relations in nine key areas, "but she also left the door open to significant additional opportunities to engage down the road."  in an appearance before the Cuban-AmericanNational Foundation last spring, Obama promised to maintain the embargo against Havana as "leverage" -- a word repeated by Clinton in her written testimony -- to promote political and economic change in Cuba.

ECONOMIC CRISIS MADE ALVARO URIBE AND HUGO CHAVEZ TO JOIN FORCES

        CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA--Colombian President Alvaro Uribe met Saturday (January 24) with Hugo Chavez for the first time since recalling their respective Ambassadors in March 2008. The two held bilateral discussions and told reporters at a news conference after their meeting that they agreed to join forces in the face of the world's deepening financial crisis.

    "How to help both governments, both our economies, if we do not join forces, to at least establish a mechanism which at the very least allows us to withstand this crisis that we can say continues to have limitless horizons," said Chavez.  "I don't think anyone knows how this crisis will end." Chavez helped negotiate the release of six hostages at the start of  2008. But Colombian officials were uneasy with what they saw as his open sympathy for the Marxist-inspired rebels, who are labeled terrorists by the
United States. Ties soured further when Colombian soldiers killed a top FARC commander hiding inside Ecuador, triggering a brief dispute during which Quito and Caracas recalled their envoys from Bogota and sent troops to the Colombian frontier.

   At their news conference the two leaders agreed to send Ambassador's to the other's country using the international financial meltdown and looming economic crisis as the linchpin to mending relations. "Crisis provide opportunity to create great solutions and in this time of crisis we must think of all these mechanisms," said Uribe. Chavez ended the news conference by wishing for peace between Venezuela and neighboring Colombia and for peace for all Colombians as well. "We agreed on our greatest desire for peace in Colombia, for complete peace between us because it will be peace that will allow us to forge ahead with additional strength towards integration and towards development," said Chavez.

ALVARO URIBE, HUGO CHAVEZ FORM $200 MILLION FUND TO BOOST TRADE  

      CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA--ALVARO URIBE AND HUGO CHAVEZ pledged Saturday to invest $100 million each in a special fund in hopes of boosting cross-border trade as the world economic crisis slashes global demand for their exports. The cash will help create small businesses and should finance infrastructure projects along the border, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said after four hours of talks in the Caribbean port of Cartagena with his Colombian counterpart, Alvaro Uribe. "Nobody knows where this crisis might go," Chavez told a televised news conference.
 
    Trade between the two nations reached a record $7.2 billion in 2008, and Chavez said they should aim for $10 billion a year in 2009 and 2010. Both neighbors are looking to prevent the global slowdown from crimping commerce and spurring unemployment. Once-rapid growth in Venezuela's oil-dependent economy is slowing with falling crude prices, while Colombia has seen textile sales decline. Caracas is Colombia's biggest trade partner after the U.S., making it especially vulnerable to a slowdown in Venezuela. The presidents also discussed ways to increase primary manufacturing so car components can be made locally from the region's natural resources, reducing reliance on imports, Chavez added.
 
     Venezuela agreed to consider easing quotas on Colombian automobile imports, including trucks, buses and vehicles that burn natural gas, Chavez said. As he arrived for the meeting, Chavez was asked about his alleged support for leftist rebels who have been trying to overthrow Colombia's government. Electronic documents found on a slain rebel's computer last year suggest he offered the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, an open-ended loan of several hundred million dollars. "If I were backing any kind of subversive, terrorist or violent movement in Colombia I wouldn't be here," he said. "What would I do here?"

01-25-2009

RUSSIA TO HELP CUBA WITH OIL PROJECTS

       MOSCOW, RUSSIA--Leading Russian oil companies pledged to help Cubapetroleo with prospecting, production, refining and other aspects of the oil industry under an agreement signed in Moscow on Friday before Cuban President Raul Castro's visit next week, Russian news agencies reported. The memorandum of understanding calls for cooperation on activities "from geological work to drilling, refining and sales" of oil, ITAR-Tass and Interfax quoted Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin, a point man for the economic side of Russia's renewed push for influence in Latin America, as saying.

    He said contracts for the development of Cuba's oil industry would be drafted, and specified that "there are good prospects for the development of sea terminals," the reports said. He said Russians will train Cubans for oil industry work, according to Interfax. The memorandum was signed by representatives of Cubapetroleo and a Russian consortium comprising Gazprom Neft, TNK-BP, Zarubezhneft, Rosneft and Surgutneftegaz, Sechin said.

     The Soviet Union provided billions of dollars in trade and annual subsidies to its Communist ally Cuba before the 1991 Soviet collapse. The Kremlin has moved to rebuild old ties with Cuba and Nicaragua, and cultivate new friends such as Venezuela, to flex its muscles close to the United States. Russian officials had announced that Castro would visit Russian in late January, and Sechin said Friday that the main meetings during his visit will take place Jan. 30.  Sechin said Russia and Cuba would continue their "military-technical cooperation," meaning weapons trade and training, but he gave no details, the reports said.

CUBA REVOKES CANADIAN OIL PRODUCER'S CONTRACT

        CALGARY, ALBERTA--Pebercan Inc (PBC.TO), a Canadian company that produces oil in Cuba, said on Friday that Cuba's national oil company has revoked its production-sharing contract and will pay the Montreal-based firm $140 million. Pebercan did not say why Cubapetroleo SA, or Cupet, had revoked the 16-year-old agreement, which was to expire in 2018.

     Pebercan had rights to the Canasi, Seboruco and Santa Cruz concessions located between Havana and Matanzas on Cuba's north coast. Output from the fields was 18,245 barrels per day in the third quarter and all the oil was sold to the Cuban government. The company said its partner in the Cuban oilfields, Sherritt International Corp (S.TO), would receive $60 million from the lump sum payment.

     Pebercan said in a statement it has agreed to transfer all its assets in the Caribbean nation to Cupet once it receives the lump-sum payment, expected by the middle of February. The company said it will take a charge against its earnings when it releases its first-quarter results and will look for other opportunities once it is paid by Cupet. Pebercan shares were halted late on Friday afternoon on the Toronto Stock Exchange, last trading at C$1.40.

EVO MORALES NATIONALIZES CHACO OIL COMPANY ONE DAY BEFORE THE REFERENDUM

      LA PAZ, BOLIVIA--Evo Morales nationalized the Chaco oil company, managed by Anglo-Argentine Panamerican Energy. "Little by little, we are taking back our companies," Morales said in Chaco's offices in the central town of Entre Rios, after signing the nationalization decree on Friday. The leftwing president has had his government take over several companies in Bolivia's important gas and oil industry, as well as others in telecoms and mining, since taking power in 2005.

    The nationalization of Chaco took place just two days before a referendum on a new constitution Morales has championed. If passed, as expected, the revised basic law would define Bolivia as a socialist state and give far greater powers, land and revenue to the indigenous majority from which he hails. Morales, who went to the Chaco offices with a unit of soldiers, charged that "oil companies are not respecting Bolivian standards," and said that his government "will respect private investment as long as they respect Bolivian norms." "We want partners, not bosses," he said.

    The nationalization decision raises state-run Yacimientos Petroliferos Fiscales Bolivianos' stake in Chaco oil from 49 percent to 99 percent, with one percent still in private investor hands. Panamerican Energy said on its website it mainly conducts oil prospection in southeastern Bolivia, where the country's richest gas deposits are found. Chaco's absorption by YPFB began in May 2008, when it gained control of half the foreign company's stock in negotiations. The move consolidated Morales' hold on Bolivia's gas and oil reserves that began in May 2006 with the nationalzation of 12 oil and gas companies in the area. A year later, Morales nationalized a foreign telephone company and four other oil companies, including 49 percent of Chaco.

01-24-2009

FIDEL CASTRO SPECULATES ON HIS DEATH

       HAVANA, CUBA--Cuba's former DICTATOR Fidel Castro said in a newspaper article that he "feels fine" but urged the Cuban leadership and government not to consider him in their work, in a sign he is moving further away from public life.  Media reports have speculated that the Cuban revolutionary leader's health has deteriorated further in recent weeks after Castro disappeared from public life and his last regular newspaper article was published on December 15.

     However, this week Castro met with Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner, the first time he has held a meeting with a foreign leader since Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to Cuba in November. The Argentine leader told journalists as she left for a visit to Venezuela that Castro "looked well."  Following his meeting with Fernandez de Kirchner the 82-year-old former president published a new article on the visit and Tuesday's inauguration of U.S. President Barack Obama.  On Obama's inauguration, Castro said "No one can doubt the sincerity of his words," but said that he doubted that the United States' 44th president will be able to overcome the "contradictions of the system."

     Castro said in his online column published on January 22 that he had decided to reduce his articles, "So as not to interfere with the comrades in the government or the party to make decisions considering the objective difficulties emerging from the world economic crisis."  "I feel fine, but insist that noone should feel bound by my [any article in] Reflections, my state of health, or even my death," the Cuban leader wrote.  Castro said that he has been "reading through all of his articles and other materials that have been compiled over the last 50 years."  "I have had the rare privilege to follow events for such a long time," he wrote. "I get information and think quietly about events."  "I don't expect to enjoy that privilege in four years, when Obama's first presidential term ends," he wrote.

HUGO CHAVEZ SEES A LIKELY CHANGE, BUT IS NOT VERY THRILLED ABOUT OBAMA

        CARACAS, VENEZUELA--Hugo Chávez said that he has no big expectations about the arrival in the White House of the new US President Barack Obama, but he showed satisfaction at the end of the government of George W. Bush. "No one here should have any illusions, this is the North American empire," Chávez warned.

    The Venezuelan leader accused Bush of being the "more repudiated president in his country and in the whole world," since he spread "terror and violence."  Chávez hoped that "the inauguration (of Obama) would lead to real change in the relations of the United States with the Third World." "For our part, we will move forward, no matter who rules the United States," said Chávez, who highlighted that "the Bolivarian Revolution will keep advancing and consolidating the independence" of Venezuela.

    Meanwhile, the US Charge d'Affaires in Caracas, John Caulfield, advocated on Tuesday a "respectful dialogue" with Venezuela, despite "differences between both governments in the last few years." The diplomat said that contacts to improve relations have already begun.

VENEZUELAN STUDENTS SUBMIT "UNALTERED" VIDEO THAT INCRIMINATES THE METROPOLITAN POLICE CHIEF

      CARACAS, VENEZUELA--Ricardo Sánchez, the president of the University Student Council (FCU), Central University of Venezuela (UCV), appeared on Thursday at the Attorney General Office to file, according to them, the original video that shows Metropolitan Police (PM) director Carlos Meza manipulating the evidence.

     In the video, exhibited by several media outlets, Meza can been seen pouring presumably inflammable liquid for Molotov cocktails into some bottles that were inside the sound truck that escorted the student march last Tuesday, on their intended way to the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ). "We came to deliver this, which, as far as we are concerned, shows the plot and attests to a punishable action by Metropolitan Police chief Carlos Meza."

    Meza requested the Attorney General to initiate an investigation. "This is evidence that not only students, all students, are not guilty, but it also shows that the driver of the students' truck is not guilty as well." As for Meza's statements, who alleged that students edited the video and did not display it completely, Sánchez wondered, "How can we trust in Meza, as he forged the evidence? How can we trust in anybody who tried to charge students by filling the bottles with gasoline?"

01-23-2009

RUSSIA ANALIZES RENEWAL OF OLD TIES WITH CUBA

       MOSCOW, RUSSIA--Russian and Cuban officials met in Moscow on Thursday as part of the Kremlin's effort to project global power and renew alliances that were part of the Cold War. The stated purpose of the meeting was to increase ties before Cuban President Raul Castro's visit to Moscow, scheduled for later this month. Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin told a session of a Russian-Cuban intergovernmental panel that relations between the two countries should "reach a new level."

    The Kremlin has moved to rebuild old Cold War-era alliances with Cuba and Nicaragua - and cultivate new friends like Venezuela - to flex its muscles close to the United States.  Russia's President Dmitry Medvedev visited Brazil, Cuba, Peru and Venezuela in November, and Russia also sent a navy squadron to the Caribbean. Russian navy ships held joint maneuvers with the Venezuelan navy and made port calls in several countries of the region, including Cuba.

    The panel Thursday included officials and businessmen who deal with oil and gas, nuclear energy and metals. Sechin's Cuban counterpart, Ricardo Cabrisas Ruiz, said Thursday the bilateral ties must serve as an example for others in the region. "Relations between Cuba, Venezuela and Russia should become exemplary for other Latin American countries," Ruiz said. The Soviet Union provided billions of dollars in trade and annual subsidies to Cuba before its 1991 collapse. The Kremlin has moved to reinvigorate the old friendship with Cuba amid a cold spell in relations with the United States.

HUGO CHAVEZ SAID HE WILL LEAVE IN 2013 IF VOTERS SAY "NO" IN FEBRUARY

        CARACAS, VENEZUELA--Hugo Chavez launched a new series of newspaper columns on Thursday by urging Venezuelan voters to let him seek re-election indefinitely - and pledging to leave at the end of his term in 2013 if they turn him down. The Venezuelan leader also vilified his opponents as "colonialists" and "little Yankees" beholden to U.S. interests.

    The column titled "Lines from Chavez" appeared in several Venezuelan newspapers for the first time and it is scheduled to appear three times a week. Chavez's friend and mentor, Fidel Castro of Cuba, also has written frequent newspaper columns over the past year.  Chavez, who has been in office since 1999, said he is putting "my entire future" in the hands of Venezuelan voters. The former paratroop commander said "this revolutionary soldier will do what the people command."

     Opponents say that ending term limits would endanger Venezuela's democracy and push the country further toward Cuba-style one-man rule. Venezuelans already voted down a similar measure to scrap term limits as part of a package of constitutional changes in 2007. Chavez called the Feb. 15 vote a choice between independence through his system of "democratic socialism," and another brand of government aligned with the United States that would condemn Venezuela to "the tomb of history."

IRANIAN PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD HAS COLD, CANCELS OFFICIAL BUSINESS

      TEHRAN, IRAN--Iran's president has canceled all official business for four days because of a cold, Iranian media reported Wednesday, raising questions about the hard-line leader's health a few months after he said he was suffering from exhaustion. Mahmoud Ahmadinejad scrubbed all official appointments from Tuesday until the end of Friday, the newspaper Etemad said. It said a speech the president planned to give Tuesday at Tehran University was delivered by a top adviser, Mojtaba Samareh Hashemi, who said Ahmadinejad has a cold.

     The 53-year-old president said in October that he was suffering from exhaustion, an apparent attempt to combat rumors that he was seriously ill and might not be able to compete for re-election in June. Ahmadinejad's allies said at the time that the strain of his job had worn him down.  Parliament member Ismail Kosari, a supporter of the president, repeated that position Wednesday, telling the semiofficial Fars news agency that Ahmadinejad only has a cold.

     "The president will recover soon and he will continue his work, and those who raised rumors will be embarrassed," Kosari said. Ahmadinejad had a tense relationship with the U.S. during the Bush administration. The two nations have been deeply at odds over Iran's nuclear program and what the U.S. says is Iranian support for Shiite Muslim militiamen in neighboring Iraq - a charge Iran denies. President Barack Obama has said he will seek dialogue with Iran in hopes of defusing tension between the two countries. Iranian Foreign Minister Manouchehr Mottaki struck a moderate tone quickly after Obama's inauguration. "We are ready for new approaches by the United States," he told Iran's state-run English language network, Press TV.

01-22-2009

ARGENTINEAN PRESIDENT CRISTINA FERNANDEZ SAID SHE MET CUBAN DICTATOR FIDEL CASTRO IN CUBA

       BUENOS AIRES, ARGENTINA--Argentina's government says President Cristina Fernandez has met with Cuba's ailing former leader Fidel Castro, who had been rumored to be seriously ill.

     A spokesman for Argentina's Foreign Ministry says the 30-minute meeting happened Wednesday during Fernandez's visit to Havana. The official was speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak on the issue. He says the talks touched on the "the new reality in the United States with the inauguration of Obama," referring to new U.S. President Barack Obama.

    Rumors that Castro is ill - or worse - have been fed by the fact he has not published any newspaper columns since Dec. 15. and by comments by ally Hugo Chavez that he may not be seen in public again.

US TIGHTENS RULES ON SHIPS ARRIVING FROM VENEZUELA

        MIAMI, FLORIDA--The US Coast Guard will impose restrictions for vessels arriving from Venezuela, as of January 23, for security reasons, reported on Wednesday The New Herald.

    The measures are "primarily due to the fact that the Venezuelan ports have not maintained effective anti-terrorism measures," said Bena Barry, spokesman for the US Coast Guard.  According to the newspaper, Barry said that the restrictions would be imposed until a remarkable change in the security of Venezuelan ports is carried out.

    Nadine Santiago, a US Coast Guard spokeswoman, said that the Venezuelan government has refused repeatedly "to accept requests to review the security measures taken by the Venezuelan ports," to establish whether they are effective and consistent with the requirements of the Department of Homeland Security. The measures will be applied to "any type of vessels arriving from Venezuela.

IRANIAN PRESIDENT AHMADINEJAD SENT LETTERS TO HUGO CHAVEZ AND EVO MORALES FOR THEIR STANCE ON ISRAEL

      TEHRAN, IRAN--"Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad sent on Tuesday letters to his counterparts of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez; Bolivia, Evo Morales, and other leaders who supported the Palestine people during the recent Israeli invasion of Gaza.

    According to the Iranian network PressTV, Ahmadinejad highlighted in his letter to the Venezuelan President that "Hugo Chavez's logical and praiseworthy stance on Israel's atrocities will hasten the restoration of the absolute rights of the Palestinian nation."

     Ahmadinejad's letter to Bolivian President Evo Morales states that Bolivia's "revolutionary" move to severe ties with Israel was necessary to free the region from the rein of Zionists. La Paz and Caracas broke ties with Israel on January 14th, two weeks after the Israeli army began to attack the Gaza Strip by land, sea and air. Ahmadinejad also sent similar letters to the leaders of Qatar, Mauritania and Malaysia, said the Iranian source.

01-21-2009

IN A HISTORIC CEREMONY, PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA WAS INAUGURATED AS PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES BEFORE THRILLED MULTITUDE OF TWO MILLION

       WASHINGTON, D.C.--President ELECT Barack Obama took the reins of power from George Bush today, using his inaugural address to stake out a new moral high ground for the nation in the eyes of the world. His 19-minute speech capped a frenzied morning in which the National Mall was packed and Washington came to a standstill. As the nation's first black president, he called for acceptance among clashing ethnic and religious groups at home and abroad.

    “Let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled,” he said.  His speech brought a huge roar from the audience. People around town tuned in as well: At the George Washington University Hospital emergency room waiting area, the staff and patients — some sitting in wheelchairs — clapped and cheered after Obama took the oath. Watching the speech on a single TV in the waiting room, some wiped the corners of their eyes as Obama pledged to restore the United States' legal and moral standing in the world.

    Downtown Washington streets were blocked off, with checkpoints rimming the Mall and Capitol. Thousands of National Guard members, police and other security workers managed checkpoints and street corners. By 7 a.m., near the Department of Labor in Northwest Washington, nearly 5,000 people were already on the streets. They were young and old, black and white. Some were dressed in their finest, while most were bundled up in parkas or other heavy coats.  By 9 a.m. — still three hours before swearing-in — alerts went out that Mall was basically full east of 14th Street, and that people still working their way downtown should aim further west. At the same time, security checkpoints were straining to handle the massive crowds.

VENEZUELAN POLICE BREAKS UP STUDENT DEMONSTRATION AGAINST HUGO CHAVEZ'S REELECTION

        CARACAS, VENEZUELA--Students who intended to visit the headquarters of the Supreme Tribunal of Justice in order to request the opening of the voters' register were dispersed by the police  The student march intended to go up to the Supreme Tribunal of Justice (TSJ) to request the opening of the registry of voters was broken up by police agents, reported on Tuesday student leader David Smolansky.

     "We were victim again of pellets, tear gas; we had to run, get into buildings, in nearby shops." “They will not discourage our attempts at continuing protesting; they will not discourage our attempts at continuing demonstrating for our symbols,” said student leader David Smolansky The student movement rejects a constitutional amendment to establish endless reelection and is asking the government to let them exercise their right to demonstrate. The student movement vowed to keep on fighting for civil rights in Venezuela.

     In Smolansky's view, the events are "a new sample of civil rights abuses by state security corps." He said that the student movement will keep on going and will not be intimidated. "They will not discourage our attempts at continuing protesting; they will not discourage our attempts at continuing demonstrating for our symbols." "We could not rally at Morelos Square because there were armed groups. Then, I wonder why state security corps, the Metropolitan Police, attack white-handed students instead of armed gangs?"

HUGO CHAVEZ ASKED BOLIVARIAN STUDENTS TO TAKE THE STREETS

      CARACAS, VENEZUELA--"Do not let bourgeoisie's students take the streets," President Hugo Chávez recommended pro-government students and asked them to stage demonstrations similar to a march scheduled for Wednesday over the days ahead of the referendum on the amendment to the Constitution.

    "Let us show all those petty Yankees that we can make the difference; let us show them where the strength of the youth and of Venezuelan students is," said the head of state. Amidst cheers and chanting the slogan "Chávez is not leaving," the president made an appeal to lobby for the "Yes" vote during a march to be concomitantly held in several cities nationwide.

    "Now you will see where the youth is; come in and look at them. Do you want to see young people? Do you want to see students? Do you want to feel the magic of youth? Well, young Venezuelans, come on, go to the streets. You are the owners of the future," Chávez added.

01-20-2009

ARGENTINA PRESIDENT CRISTINA FERNANDEZ VISITS CUBA

       HAVANA, CUBA--Argentina President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner arrived Sunday in Havana, Cuba. She will meet Monday evening with Cuban DICTATOR  Raul Castro during her first official visit to the island.  Kirchner arrived Sunday for a three-day visit, accompanied by a delegation that includes governors, government ministers, legislators, officials and businesspeople, the state-run Cuban News Agency said.  She is scheduled to sign more than 10 trade, scientific and cooperation pacts.

    The Argentine leader originally was scheduled to arrive January 11 but postponed the trip for unspecified health reasons. Kirchner, who took office in December 2007, also will meet with other Cuban leaders and place a wreath at the memorial for 19th-century Cuban hero Jose Marti.

    Fernandez plans to enhance bilateral ties and cooperation between the two nations, local media reported. This is the first official visit to Cuba by a Argentine president in 23 years, which seeks to revitalize bilateral ties. Kirchner will have talks with Castro and other Cuban leaders and visit places of historical, economical and social interests, local newspaper Granma reported. After her visit to Cuba, Fernandez will travel to Venezuela on Wednesday, where she will meet with President Hugo Chavez.

OAS SECRETARY GENERAL INSULZA SAID OBAMA IS NOT TRYING TO PICK A FIGHT WITH CHAVEZ

        SANTIAGO DE CHILE, CHILE--José Miguel Insulza, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), said on Monday that US President-elect, Barack Obama is not trying to pick a fight with Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Obama made some statements about Chávez last week in an interview with US Spanish-language media company Univisión.

    In statements to the Chilean newspaper El Mercurio, Insulza claimed: "I believe that President Obama has said something very general about Venezuela. I think he is not interested in trying to pick a fight with President Chávez. It is just a one-sided fight. Nothing more than that."  Insulza recalled that President Chávez is campaigning for the referendum.

    In an interview broadcast on Univisión, which was divided into two parts and aired on Tuesday and Sunday, the US President-elect said last week: "Chávez has been a force that has interrupted progress in the region."   "On the other hand, Venezuela's trade with the region is of critical importance since it is a major supplier of oil," he admitted. "We are open to starting diplomatic talks with Venezuelan and we are ready to improve our relations," said Obama. However, the President-elect clarified: "We need to be firm when we see the news that Venezuela is exporting terrorist activities or supporting malicious entities like the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC)."

A CHAVISTA GROUP CALLED "LA PIEDRITA" THROWS TEAR GAS CANISTERS AT THE APOSTOLIC NUNCIATURE  

      CARACAS, VENEZUELA--An activist group threw five tear gas canisters at the headquarters of the Apostolic Nunciature, north Caracas, which blew up inside the building, shortly before Nuncio Giacinto Berlocco officiated the daily Mass.

    The attack was allegedly perpetrated by pro-government group "La Piedrita". A spokesman for the Apostolic Nunciature informed by telephone to El Universal that the diplomatic mission of the Holy See is to issue a statement to repudiate the attack. A pamphlet criticizing the refuge that the Nunciature has provided for almost two years to former student leader Nixon Moreno was found near the building. According to the text, the leaders of the Catholic Church are considered "traitors and cowards."

    The heading of the communiqué reads as follows: "Work group La Piedrita and our top leader Valentín Santana inform the rebellious people descendent of Simón Bolívar that our revolutionary organization does not acknowledge the top authorities of the Catholic Church and describes them as cowards and traitors to the real fights of the Venezuelan people."

01-19-2009

NORTH KOREA CLAIMS TO HAVE WEAPONIZED PLUTONIUM

       BEIJING, CHINA--Senior North Korean officials say the communist regime has "weaponized" its stockpile of plutonium, according to a U.S. scholar, in a move suggesting that North Korea may have significantly hardened its stance on nuclear negotiations. Selig Harrison said North Korean officials claimed to have enough plutonium for four or five warheads.

    Selig Harrison, one of the few U.S. scholars granted access to senior North Korean officials, said at a news conference in Beijing that the officials told him they had weaponized 30.8 kilograms of plutonium, enough for four or five warheads. The director of the Asia Program at the Center for International Policy, who just returned from a five-day visit to Pyongyang, said senior North Korean officials told him the warheads will not be open for inspection.

     Harrison said one possible reason for Pyongyang's tough new stance could be the declining health of leader Kim Jong Il, who reportedly suffered a stroke last year and may no longer be involved in day-to-day decisions. "People I talked to have many indications that some important things are submitted to him, but he is not working in the way he used to," Harrison said. He said military hard-liners have taken the lead in demanding from the United States a full declaration and verification of all nuclear weapons sent to South Korea between 1957 and 1991. The hard-liners also seek full normalization of relations with Washington before more talks about scrapping their nuclear arsenal.

SOUTH KOREA ARMY ON ALERT AFTER NORTH'S MILITARY THREAT

        SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA--South Korea said its army remained on alert Sunday, a day after North Korea threatened military action in response to Seoul’s hard-line stance against its communist regime. The latest harsh rhetoric from the isolated regime appeared aimed at heightening tensions on the divided peninsula and could be a test for Barack Obama days before he is sworn in as the new U.S. president.

     The North’s Korean People’s Army called South Korean President Lee Myung-bak a “traitor” and accused him of preparing a military provocation, according to a statement carried Saturday by the North’s state-run Korean Central News Agency. Pyongyang said it was adopting “an all-out confrontational posture” and warned of a “strong military retaliatory step.” South Korea immediately put its forces on alert.

      Seoul’s Yonhap news agency reported Sunday that the South has significantly beefed up forces along its heavily armed land border with the North and near their disputed western sea border. But the presidential office and the Defense Ministry denied the report. A Defense Ministry official said Sunday that the South’s military will remain on alert, though there were no unusual moves by the North’s forces. The official spoke on condition of anonymity citing department policy.

RUSSIA, UKRAINE AGREE TO RESUME GAS SUPPLIES TO EUROPE BY EARLY NEXT WEEK

      MOSCOW, RUSSIA--The prime ministers of Russia and Ukraine reached an agreement early Sunday morning to resume gas supplies to Europe by early next week. Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin meets Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshchenko in Moscow Saturday.

     The two leaders have asked the gas providers of their respective countries to prepare by Monday all pertinent documents that need to be signed, said Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko on Russian state television. "As soon as these documents are signed on gas transit and gas purchase, all gas transport to Europe will be resumed," she said.

     Tymoshenko and her Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, met in Moscow for five hours -- in negotiations that she described as "difficult" but successful. The two premiers agreed that Russia will give Ukraine a 20 percent discount on the gas purchase. In exchange, Ukraine will not hike the fees it charged Russia to transport gas onward to European countries. The problems began at the end of last year when Ukraine and Russia failed to resolve a dispute over Ukraine's past payments for Russian gas, and failed to agree on the terms for a new contract.  Watch how a simple price dispute led to the crisis » As a result, Russia turned off Ukraine's gas while at the same time promising the supply to Europe would be unaffected.

01-18-2009

HUGO CHAVEZ ISSUES A STRONG WARNING FOR THE UNITED STATES

        CARACAS, VENEZUELA-- "We will keep fighting imperialism whether the chief of the empire is black or white, regardless of the attire the head of the empire wears," said Chávez

    According to Hugo Chávez, Obama was "misinformed," because the US President-elect allegedly said this week in an interview that Chávez has hindered progress in the region, by spreading terrorism and supporting "malicious entities" such as the Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces (FARC), Reuters reported.  "How about that! He started up by saying that, so what's next for us? We will keep fighting imperialism whether the chief of the empire is black or white, regardless of the attire the head of the empire wears," Chávez said. The Venezuelan ruler also warned that he will be "very firm" once the bilateral dialogue is resumed.

    Chávez added that Obama has mistaken him for the outgoing US President, George W. Bush, when he said that Venezuela was spreading terror around the world.  "Compadre, how can you say that? You have not even taken office and you are delivering a wild pitch ... Who is exporting terrorism? Again, you are mistaking me for Bush," Chávez said. The Venezuelan President has called Bush "devil," "drunk" and "dumb."  Chávez asked "Mr. Obama to rectify when he takes office."

HUGO CHAVEZ NOW SAYS FIDEL CASTRO IS STILL "WORKING" 

        CARACAS, VENEZUELA-- Days after saying Fidel Castro would never be seen in public again, Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez said the retired dictator ''continues working and writing.''  ''I received a letter from Fidel a week, or eight or 10 days ago,'' Chávez told the agency. ``Everyone knows how his health is, I know it very well. Fidel is working, writing and following world affairs.''

    Chávez created an international stir last week when he made gloomy remarks about Castro never being seen in public again. Experts noted Castro has not written a news column in a month, and a video of him has not appeared in more than six months.  ''That's what I know and I what I believe,'' Chávez said Friday.

    Meanwhile, Argentine President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner is scheduled to travel to Cuba Saturday, according to the EFE news agency in Buenos Aires. The Argentine leader was originally scheduled to visit last week, but her trip was delayed for health reasons. Fernández was invited to Havana by Raúl Castro when the two gathered for a regional summit in December. She is scheduled to meet with various government officials.

ISRAEL DECLARES UNILATERAL CEASE-FIRE IN GAZA STRIP 

      JERUSALEN, ISRAEL-- Israel has declared a unilateral cease-fire in the fighting in Gaza beginning at 2 a.m. Sunday (7 p.m. ET Saturday), Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said. "We can say that the conditions have been brought about that enable us to say that the aims that we laid down for the operation have been completely achieved, if not more than that, " Olmert said. "Hamas has been dealt a very serious blow."

    But Olmert said Israel is prepared to respond if Hamas militants continue fighting in the Palestinian territory. "If foes decide to continue to fight against us, then we will be ready and we shall consider ourselves justified in replying," he said. "If Hamas still is not able to correctly evaluate the blow that has been inflicted on it, if it continues to attack us, it will be surprised at Israel's determination.

    "I do not suggest that Hamas or other terrorist organizations try us." "Hamas' military machine has been substantially destroyed," the official added. "They have been given a sufficient deterrence that they will think twice before attacking again." The announcement followed a Cabinet meeting meant to vote on the basics of a plan that could end the fighting in Gaza. It also came a day after Israeli and U.S. diplomats signed an agreement designed to stop arms smuggling into the Palestinian territory through tunnels.

01-17-2009

CUBAN DISSIDENT JAILED IN 2003 CRACKDOWN FREED  

        HAVANA, CUBA-- A democracy activist arrested in a crackdown on Cuba's opposition six years ago was released from prison Thursday after completing his sentence, the island's leading independent rights monitor said. Of the original group of 75 activists arrested in the 2003 crackdown, 21 have now been released. The other 20 were freed for earlier for health reasons or paroled into exile in Spain.

    Reynaldo Labrada Pena, who worked with the Varela Project democracy drive, returned Thursday to his home in the eastern province of Las Tunas, said Sanchez, head of the Havana-based Cuban Commission on Human Rights and National Reconciliation. Labrada could not be reached for comment because he does not have a home telephone. "It's a normal penal procedure" and was anticipated, said Sanchez. His commission tracks the island's political prisoners and is a primary source of information for international groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch.

    Cuba's government accused the 75 arrested activists of working with U.S. authorities to undermine the communist government. The dissidents and the American government denied the charges. Their quick sentencing and long prison terms drew condemnation from governments worldwide. The Varela Project collected thousands of signatures from Cuban voters seeking a referendum on civil rights such as freedom of speech, assembly, press and business ownership. The signatures were delivered to Cuba's parliament, which shelved the proposal.

HUGO CHAVEZ DEMANDS THAT PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA RESPECT VENEZUELA

      CARACAS, VENEZUELA-- Hugo Chávez has said he is willing to work together with Barack Obama to repair diplomatic relations with the United States. "I am willing to sit down and converse on equal footing and with respect," said Chávez.

    Venezuela-U.S. relations have been tense for most of Chávez's ten years as president - last September, Venezuela expelled U.S. Ambassador Patrick Duddy on suspicion that the Bush administration was helping destabilize and overthrow the governments of Venezuela and Bolivia. "We do not ask [Obama] to be revolutionary or socialist, no... we hope he will rise to the occasion of what is occurring in the world, and to the hope that the majority of the world has for a world of peace," said Chávez. "For a black man to become president of the United States is not a small thing," Chávez added. "The entire world is watching."

     Chávez has expressed his willingness on several occasions to have a dialogue with the next president of the U.S. Additionally, Obama has not retracted his offer to converse with Chávez without preconditions, despite being heavily criticized by the McCain campaign for his willingness to do so.

MANUEL NORIEGA EXTRADITION GOES TO COURT IN MIAMI

      MIAMI, FLORIDA -- THE FATE OF A JAILED PANAMANIAN GENERAL whose country was invaded by the United States almost two decades ago will be argued in a federal appeals court in downtown Miami. Gen. Manuel Antonio Noriega, a convicted narcotrafficker incarcerated in a southwest Miami-Dade prison, hopes to return to his native country rather than face extradition to France on money-laundering charges.

     Noriega, 73, asserts his status as a prisoner of war entitles him to be repatriated to Panama under the Geneva Conventions. But three federal judges -- including the one who granted him POW status after his original trial in Miami -- have ruled the United States can extradite him to France. A three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit of Appeals, after hearing arguments on Wednesday, will later decide whether Noriega's POW status prohibits his extradition to France under the international treaty. Noriega's prison term officially ended in September 2007, but he has been detained while his lawyers Jon May and Frank Rubino have been fighting his extradition. His appeal, which mainly challenges a ruling by U.S. District Judge William Hoeveler, is considered a long shot.

     Noriega's lawyers argue that Noriega must first be repatriated to Panama, and then it would be up to that country to transfer him to France on money-laundering charges related to the original criminal case in Miami. He was convicted of receiving payoffs in exchange for letting Colombian drug lords use his country as a conduit for tons of cocaine bound for the United States. In court papers, the lawyers argue the Geneva Conventions require that a prisoner of war be repatriated when conflicts end or when the prisoner completes a criminal sentence. But Hoeveler, while recognizing Noriega's POW status, sided with the U.S. government's position, saying the international treaty doesn't prohibit a country from honoring its extradition treaty with another nation. Noriega, who was captured during the U.S. invasion of Panama in late 1989, wants to return to his homeland, even though he could face more prison time on pending murder and extortion charges there.

01-16-2009

U.N. SECRETARY GENERAL BAN KI-MOON CONDEMNS SHELLING OF AID COMPLEX

        TEL AVIV, ISRAEL-- U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned an attack on a U.N. relief agency's compound in Gaza City Thursday, which he and other U.N. officials say was committed by Israeli forces. "[Israeli] Defense Minister Barak said to me it was a grave mistake and he took it very seriously," Ban said at a news conference in Tel Aviv with Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni.

    But Israeli government spokesman Mark Regev said the matter is still under investigation. When asked about Ban's comment, Regev said Defense Minister Ehud Barak actually told the U.N. chief that "if it was Israel's fire, it was a grave mistake." Regev said it was "not clear whose shells, whose fire hit the U.N. facility."

    "It could have been ours, it could have been Hamas'," Regev said. "This is being investigated."  Watch Regev respond to accusation » Israeli forces moved into Gaza City overnight. During the clash with Hamas fighters, the U.N. Relief and Works Agency headquarters complex -- located in a densely populated neighborhood -- was hit repeatedly by shrapnel and artillery. The burning compound emitted a massive pillar of billowing black smoke. Clashes around the compound in Gaza City made it impossible to extinguish the fires, UNRWA Director John Ging said. 

BRAZIL OFFERS TO MEDIATE BETWEEN PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA AND VENEZUELA, CUBA AND BOLIVIA

      BRASILIA, BRAZIL-- According to the Brazilian Brazilian Minister of Strategic Affairs, Obama's aides said that the US expects a clear signal that Cuba will become a democratic state

    Brazil offered to mediate reconciliation between the government of president elect Barack Obama and Venezuela, Cuba and Bolivia, said the Brazilian Minister of Strategic Affairs, Mangabeira Unger, to a Brazilian newspaper, referring to a meeting he held with Obama's aides last week.

    Unger added in the interview published by newspaper O Estado de Sao Paulo that in his meeting the possibility that Brazil works for reconciliation between the United States and the three Latin American countries was mentioned, EFE reported.

MOROCCO CLOSES ITS EMBASSY IN VENEZUELA

      RABAT, MOROCCO -- The Morocco government is to close its embassy in Venezuela and will move it to the Dominican Republic due to the Venezuelan government stance on Morocco's territorial integrity, in reference to the conflict in Western Sahara.

     "This decision has been made because of the increasing hostility of Venezuelan authorities with regard to the issue of the territorial integrity of the Kingdom of Morocco," reported the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a communiqué released by official news agency MAP.

    Morocco also attributed the decision to "the recent measures in support of the pseudo Saharawi Arab Democratic Republic, SADR, adopted by Venezuela's government."  The move will be effective "in an impending manner," Foreign Ministry spokesman Fuadi Yasud told Efe, and added that his country's diplomatic representatives in Caracas have been apprised already of the action.

01-15-2009

PRESIDENT BUSH SENDS LAST "MESSAGE OF HOPE" TO THE CUBAN PEOPLE

        WASHINGTON, D.C..-- Outgoing US President George W. Bush sent a "MESSAGE OF HOPE" Tuesday to the Cuban people, particularly jailed members of the anti-communist opposition who have been "silenced by tyranny and oppression." "This message of hope is directed especially to those who have made pleas for freedom only to be silenced by tyranny and oppression," Bush said in a statement which described Cuba as "one of the cruelest dictatorships this hemisphere has witnessed."

      Bush, who hands the presidency to his successor Barack Obama on January 20, said his administration had continually challenged Havana to bring political and economic changes and improve human rights on the impoverished island. His administration, he said, "has made it clear that the United States stands prepared to respond to any request for assistance from a Cuba that transitions to democracy. The Castro regime's response to our offers has been continued repression of the Cuban people." January 1 marked the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution that saw its leader Fidel Castro head up a communist dictatorship vehemently opposed by the United States, just 90 miles (145 kilometers) to the north.

     "The world has witnessed other instances of dictatorship but has ultimately seen those regimes fall and formerly enslaved countries embrace their birthright of freedom. One day, the people of Cuba will enjoy this same blessing," Bush said. In what was likely his final statement on Cuba before leaving office, Bush also said he has been personally touched by the plight of Cubans on the impoverished island over his eight years in Washington. "Throughout my presidency, the plight of Cuba has been close to my heart. My sincere wish has been for the proud people of Cuba to take their rightful place in the community of democratic, freedom-loving nations." 

SECRETARY OF STATE CONDOLEEZZA RICE SHAMED-FACED BY PRESIDENT BUSH OVER UN GAZA VOTE

      JERUSALEN, ISRAEL.--US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice was left shame-faced after President George W. Bush ordered her to abstain in a key UN vote on the Gaza war, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said on Monday. "She was left shamed. A resolution that she prepared and arranged, and in the end she did not vote in favour," Olmert said in a speech in the southern town of Ashkelon.

    The UN Security Council passed a resolution last Thursday calling for an immediate ceasefire in the three-week-old conflict in the Gaza Strip and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza where hundreds have been killed. Fourteen of the council's 15 members voted in favour of the resolution, which was later rejected by both Israel and Hamas. The United States, Israel's main ally, had initially been expected to voted in line with the other 14 but Rice later became the sole abstention.

    "In the night between Thursday and Friday, when the secretary of state wanted to lead the vote on a ceasefire at the Security Council, we did not want her to vote in favour," Olmert said. "I said 'get me President Bush on the phone'. They said he was in the middle of giving a speech in Philadelphia. I said I didn't care. 'I need to talk to him now'. He got off the podium and spoke to me. "I told him the United States could not vote in favour. It cannot vote in favour of such a resolution. He immediately called the secretary of state and told her not to vote in favour." Bush has consistently placed the blame for the conflict on Hamas, telling reporters on Monday that while he wanted to see a "sustainable ceasefire" in Gaza, it was up to Hamas to choose to end its rocket fire on Israel.

PRESIDENT ELECT BARACK OBAMA TO ISSUE ORDER CLOSING GUANTANAMO PRISON BY  FIRST WEEK IN THE WHITE HOUSE

     WASHINGTON, D.C.-- President-elect Barack Obama is preparing to issue an executive order his first week in office -- and perhaps his first day -- to close the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, according to two presidential transition team advisers. It's unlikely the detention facility at the Navy base in Cuba will be closed anytime soon. In an interview last weekend, Obama said it would be "a challenge" to close it even within the first 100 days of his administration.

   But the order, which one adviser said could be issued as early as Jan. 20, would start the process of deciding what to do with the estimated 250 Al Qaeda and Taliban suspects and potential witnesses who are being held there. Most have not been charged with a crime. The Guantanamo directive would be one of a series of executive orders Obama is planning to issue shortly after he takes office next Tuesday, according to the two advisers. Also expected is an executive order about certain interrogation methods, but details were not immediately available Monday.

     The advisers spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly about the orders that have not yet been finalized. Obama transition team spokeswoman Brooke Anderson declined comment Monday. The two advisers said the executive order will direct the new administration to look at each of the cases of the Guantanamo detainees to see whether they can be released or if they should still be held -- and if so, where.

01-14-2009

HUGO CHAVEZ BREAKS DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE STATE OF ISRAEL

        CARACAS, VENEZUELA-- HUGO CHAVEZ on Wednesday broke diplomatic ties with Israel over its deadly military offensive in the Gaza Strip, according to a government statement read on public television.

      "The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in accordance with its vision of world peace, in solidarity and respect for human rights, has decided to definitively break diplomatic ties with Israel," the text said. Caracas said it made its decision due to the "cruel persecution of the Palestinian people, directed by Israeli authorities." Venezuela's decision came just hours after Bolivia announced it was breaking diplomatic relations with Israel, also for the same reason.

     Bolivian President Evo Morales, a socialist, is a close ally of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez who on January 6 expelled Israel's ambassador from Caracas, winning him hero status among Palestinians. Most Latin American governments have been critical of Israel's attack on the Gaza Strip, in retaliation for Hamas rocket attacks on its territory. The military incursion which began December 27 has killed more than 1,000 people, most of them Palestinians, despite hopes of a truce.

EVO MORALES BREAKS DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE STATE OF ISRAEL

        LA PAZ, BOLIVIA-- Evo Morales announced Wednesday he was breaking relations with Israel over its invasion of the Gaza Strip and said he will ask the International Criminal Court to bring genocide charges against top Israeli officials. Morales' ally Hugo Chavez of Venezuela broke ties with Israel last week.

    Morales told the country's diplomatic corps that the Israeli attack "seriously threatened world peace" and he called for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert and his Cabinet to face criminal charges.  Morales chided the United Nations' "Insecurity Council" for its "lukewarm" response to the crisis and said the U.N. General Assembly should condemn the invasion. He also said Israeli President Shimon Peres should be stripped of his Nobel Peace Prize for failing to stop the invasion.

    Israel launched the onslaught in Gaza on Dec. 27, seeking to force the ruling Hamas militant group to stop rocket attacks on southern Israel. The offensive has killed more than 940 Palestinians, about half of them civilians, according to Palestinian officials. Morales and Chavez have worked to cultivate ties to Iran, which supports Hamas. Morales met Tuesday with visiting Iranian officials, who gave him a letter from Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad thanking Morales for his previously voicing supporting for the Palestinians.

ROCKETS FROM LEBANON HIT NORTHERN ISRAEL

      BEIRUT, LEBANON.-- Militants in Lebanon sent rockets crashing into northern Israel on Wednesday, while Israeli aircraft pounded a Gaza cemetery, Hamas weapons positions and tunnels used for smuggling, witnesses and the military said Wednesday.

    The rockets from Lebanon landed in open areas near the town of Kiryat Shemona, causing no injuries or damage, Israeli police said. Residents of northern Israel were instructed to head to bomb shelters following the second attack from Lebanon in less than a week. The rockets have fueled Israel's fears that militants in Lebanon could try to open a second front in solidarity with Gaza's Islamic militant Hamas rulers.

    The Israeli air and ground offensive against Hamas in Gaza has killed more than 940 Palestinians, half of them civilians, according to Palestinian hospital officials. U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon met with Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak in Cairo Wednesday in diplomatic efforts to end the violence, which began 19 days ago. After meeting with Mubarak, Ban again called for an immediate halt to the fighting and said negotiations must be intensified to reach that end.

01-13-2009

HUGO CHAVEZ SAID THAT FIDEL CASTRO UNLIKELY TO APPEAR IN PUBLIC AGAIN

CARACAS, VENEZUELA.-- Hugo Chavez said Sunday it is unlikely that ailing former Cuban leader Fidel Castro will ever appear in public again. "That Fidel in his uniform who walked the streets and towns late at night, hugging the people, won't return," Chavez said during his Sunday television and radio program. "That will remain in memories." He did not discuss the 82-year-old Castro's current medical condition or say why he thought Castro would not return to the public stage.

    Chavez has continued to meet occasionally with his friend Castro in private since the former Cuban leader underwent emergency intestinal surgery about 2 1/2 years ago. Castro was last seen in public on July 26, 2006, at a celebration in eastern Cuba. Since then, Cuban authorities have periodically released photos and videos of Castro meeting with Chavez and other foreign leaders. Fidel has ceded power to his younger brother Raul Castro, but continues to write essays published in official Cuban media.

    Chavez, who says he is steering Venezuela toward socialism, fondly recalled the last time he and Castro appeared in public together during a trip to Argentina in July 2006. "He walked to the door of the plane and we hugged. My God. I didn't think it would be the last time." "Fidel will live forever, beyond the physical life," Chavez said Sunday. Since taking office in 1999, Chavez has forged strong ties with Cuba. Venezuela ships 190,000 barrels of crude oil a day to the communist-led island at preferential rates while Cuba has sent thousands of doctors and sports trainers to Venezuela.

PRESIDENT BUSH SAYS ATTACK ON HOMELAND STILL MAJOR THREAT

      WASHINGTON, D.C.--President George W. Bush said Monday the "most urgent threat" that Barack Obama will face is the potential for an "attack on our homeland." At a farewell news conference, Bush said the president-elect will be facing an enemy that "would like to inflict damage" on Americans. He says that'll be the major threat facing Obama and those who follow him.

     Bush also spoke of other threats posed by members of what he once referred to as an "axis of evil." He said North Korea is "still a problem" - and that it's important that talks on that country's nuclear program bring about a "strong verification regime."

    "One of my concerns is that there might be a - a highly enriched uranium program," Bush said. "And therefore it is really important that out of the six-party talks comes a - a strong verification regime. In other words, in order to advance our relations with North Korea, the North Korean government must honor the commitments it made to allow for strong verification measures to be in place, to ensure that they don't develop a - a highly enriched uranium program, for example. He also described Iran as "still dangerous."

RUSSIA SIGNS DEAL, RESTORING EUROPE'S GAS

     MOSCOW, RUSSIA--Russia signed an agreement Monday to restore gas supplies to Europe after Ukraine dropped conditions that had angered Moscow. A woman passes in front of a manometer set on a gas pipe in the Ukrainian city of Boyarka, near Kiev. Moscow and Kiev have been engaged in a bitter, weeks-long dispute over gas, which interrupted supplies to countries from Turkey to the Baltics during an unusually cold winter. They agreed earlier to a deal which the European Union brokered to end the standoff, but Sunday it looked as if the deal had hit the rocks.

    Russia said it was off because Ukraine -- the key transit country -- had attached unacceptable terms to the agreement. Russia responded furiously, with the country's president and prime minister and the head of Gazprom all weighing in.  Watch what led to the breakdown in the deal »  Prime Minister Vladimir Putin said on television the attachment was unauthorized, and "ties up the existing problem (of transit) with issues that have nothing to do with it." Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller told Russia reporters the attachment was "an attempt to legalize the theft" of gas, Interfax reported.

    Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the European Union, flew to Kiev and Moscow last week to broker the deal. Both sides agreed to allow international observers to monitor gas flow through the pipelines to end the argument about who was responsible for dips in supply. When the monitors are in place, Gazprom will start pumping gas for European consumers, Putin said Monday, according to Interfax. Even if a deal is signed, it could take from 10 to 30 hours for gas to be restored, Gazprom officials said, due to the need to rebuild pressure in the pipelines. At the moment, gas supplies are still off.

01-12-2009

PRESIDENT BUSH TURNED DOWN ISRAEL "VARIOUS REQUESTS" FOR US ASSITANCE TO ATTACK IRAN NUCLEAR PLANTS

      WASHINGTON, D.C.--Israel last year made "various requests" for U.S. assistance with a planned Israeli air strike on Iran's nuclear program. Israel's plan, however, was scuttled when the United States rebuffed Israel in its request to fly through Iraqi airspace, according to a New York Times report on a covert U.S. program. The Times story, published Saturday, cites unnamed American and foreign officials in reporting that President Bush also turned away an Israeli request for bunker-busting bombs for use in its planned attack on the Iranian nuclear complex. The president then revealed to the Israelis that he already had authorized a covert U.S. effort to sabotage Iran's nuclear capabilities, the Times reports.

    The Bush administration was "particularly alarmed," the Times says, by the Israeli request for access to Iraqi airspace.  Sources said that the Israeli requests were made directly to the White House because the Israelis were "disturbed and fearful" of leaks from the U.S. intelligence community and "did not trust" Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

    One source told FOX News the Israelis approached the Bush White House at least once last summer, possibly twice, and were "slammed down" because senior administration officials felt such assistance would "unravel our position in Iraq." President Bush was convinced by aides, sources said, that any such American aid to an Israeli strike on Iran's nuclear program would cause the Iranians "to foment great upheaval in Iraq." One source said the Israeli emissary sent to request Washington's help was Meir Dagan, head of the Israeli spy agency Mossad.  Dagan was sent reportedly because the Israelis considered him "the only trusted channel."

EGYPT WILL OPEN ROUTE FOR HUMANITARIAN AID TO GAZA WAR VICTIMS

      CAYRO, EGYPT--Amidst in creasing humanitarian crisis in Palestine, Iran has appealed to the Nigerian Government to prevail on Egypt to open its borders so that victims of the crisis could easily be reached with relief materials.  Egypt has since the war refused to open its borders to Iran or any other country to come to the aid of the Palestinians for fear of terrorist.

    The Iranian Minister of Education, Dr. Ali –Ahmadi, who made this appeal in Abuja during a press conference spoke in Arabic, which was translated by his Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Khosrow Rezazedeh. He said the Palestinians needed a lot of support and relief materials, after Israel pounded Hamas positions for the past two weeks.  “We want Nigeria to appeal to Egypt, since both are close African countries, to open its borders so that we can send humanitarians aids to the people who are really in need of these.

    “The Palestinians have been deprived of food, medicine etc. we can help them.  We have doctors, truck load of food, etc to get to them”, he stated, adding that only the opening of the Egyptian borders can facilitate access to the Palestinians. Ali also said it was time for Nigeria to take a position on the war between Israel and Hamas, instead of maintaining silence. The Ambassador condemned the war and called for its immediate resolution, noting that the refusal of Israel, particularly, to ceasefire despite the UN resolution to that effect was unfortunate.

ISRAEL SENDS RESERVISTS INTO THE GAZA STRIP

     GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP--Israel has begun sending reserve units into the Gaza Strip as the military continues to pound the territory for the 16th consecutive day.  The move came amid some of the most intense fighting since the ground offensive began on January 3, with Palestinian fighters putting up stiff resistance to the Israeli advance around Gaza City.  Israel has not specified how many extra troops it is sending in, but it called up tens of thousands of reservists two weeks ago after it launched the air, naval, and land bombardment of the territory. "I can confirm that a few reserve units have entered Gaza to participate in the operation," major Avital Leibovich, an Israeli military spokeswoman, told Al Jazeera.  "We are not talking about a massive amount of forces, rather a limited one to join in the fighting."

    Al Jazeera's Alan Fisher, reporting from the Israel-Gaza border, said: "I think what we are seeing here is preparations for what the media, according to the Israelis, is calling stage three, which is moving troops into the towns and cities of Gaza.  "They have called up a number of reservists, but by no means all the reservists that have been put on standby, and moved them into Gaza. "They are there, ready for if the word comes that stage three is to begin. If there is to be this massive push then the soldiers are there ready to act," he said. Israeli tanks were positioned on the edge of the city to the north and east, while a column of tanks to the south advanced only to later pull back. Ehud Olmert, the Israeli prime minister, told an Israeli cabinet meeting on Sunday that the military had nearly completed the goals set for the war on Gaza. "Israel is getting close to achieving the goals it set for itself," he said.

    He told ministers that Israel had "dealt Hamas an unprecedented blow ...  It will never be the same Hamas," Oved Yehezkel, the Israeli cabinet secretary, said.The cabinet meeting had been expected to include discussion of a possible "third stage" of the offensive in which the military would enter Gaza's urban areas. However, several Israeli officials suggested that the offensive could be drawing to a close after last week's UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. "The decision of the security council doesn't give us much leeway," Matan Vilnai, the deputy defence minister, told public radio. "Thus it would seem that we are close to ending the ground operation and ending the operation altogether."

01-11-2009

AIRCRAFT CARRIER NAMED THE USS GEORGE H. W. BUSH COMMISSIONED

      NORFOLK, VIRGINIA--President George W. Bush landed Saturday on the USS George H.W. Bush, a new aircraft carrier named after his father — the ultimate honor for a decorated Navy pilot from World War II. With just days left in his presidency, Bush and first lady Laura Bush joined his father, now 84 years old, and other Bush family members at Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia for the commissioning of the nuclear-powered carrier. "Laura and I are thrilled to be here to help commission an awesome ship and to honor an awesome man," Bush said. "So what do you give a guy who has been blessed and has just about everything he has ever needed? Well, an aircraft carrier."

     The steel-gray vessel is more than three football fields long, one in the Nimitz class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers that are the largest warships on the world. Its price tag is just as hefty: $6.2 billion. The mood was celebratory aboard the ship, spit and polished for its unveiling. The Marine One presidential helicopter ferried the president, his father and their wives to the ship. The president's daughters, Jenna Hager and Barbara Bush, and Vice President Dick Cheney and his wife, Lynne, were among the estimated 20,000 people who attended the event. Also on hand were Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Adm. Michael Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine.

     The Nimitz class of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers was first launched in 1972. The USS George H.W. Bush is the 10th and final vessel of its type. A bronze statue on the hangar bay deck of the 1,092-foot warship depicts the former president as a youthful, smiling pilot in his flight suit. On an upper deck, a "tribute room" presents Bush's life from his days in the Navy to his four years in the White House. No other former president has visited a carrier named after him. Ronald Reagan was the first living ex-president to have a carrier named in his honor, but Reagan was unable to visit the vessel before he died.

VENEZUELAN OIL SALES TO THE US DOWN TO 861,000 BPD

      CARACAS, VENEZUELA--Venezuela' Ministry of Energy and Petroleum warned refiners that, as part of a pledge of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to reduce oil supplies as of January 1, state-run oil holding Pdvsa has cut production by 189.000 barrels per day to meet OPEC quota. As a result, the company is reducing shipments of crude oil to refineries in the United States by 166,000 barrels per day.

    Exports of crude oil to the US have been declining ever since the second half of 2008. At the end of October last year, exports stood at 1.02 million bpd. Deducting the barrels that Venezuela will no longer export under the OPEC cut, exports to the US are to total 861,000 bpd.

    Such volume is to remain in place during the first quarter this year or until OPEC decides to lift the production cut. According to oil industry sources, Venezuela is cutting 18,000 bpd from exports to China and 5,000 bpd from sales to Europe.  According to the statement of the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Pdvsa has advised the partners and customers involved about "the strict compliance with OPEC's cut, so that customers, particularly the refineries of Chalmette in Louisiana and Texas-based Sweeney, take the relevant measures, since Venezuela will not deliver the volumes it used to deliver."

DRILLING STOPS IN 17 VENEZUELAN OILFIELDS

     CARACAS, VENEZUELA--The last cut in the oil production undertaken by Venezuela, in accordance with an agreement at the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has made 17 drill rigs in west and east Venezuela to come to a standstill, reported oil-sector labor agents.

    Based on the news given by trade union leader Froilán Barrios, only in Boscán field, western Zulia state, a total of 14 rigs have shut down since the last week of December. Additionally, three oilrigs in the cities of Anaco and El Tigre, eastern Anzoátegui state, are not operating. Barrios fears new similar measures in that region.

    From September to December 2008, the oil business curtailed its output by 364,000 bpd, as a result of the cuts agreed by OPEC member states. The trade union leader noted that the order to curb production in line with the oil cut is not the only reason to stop drilling, but also managerial instructions regarding business planning. The move has resulted in at least 5,000 layoffs from contractors.

01-10-2009

VERY SMALL CROWDS GREET CUBAN CARAVAN REENACTING FIDEL CASTRO'S REVOLUTION ARRIVAL IN HAVANA

      HAVANA, CUBA--A SMALL caravan of 4 jeeps and trucks rolled into Cuba's capital Thursday, cheered only by a smattering of school children - a subdued tribute to the 50th anniversary of the original wild street party that greeted Fidel Castro and his bearded rebels. The four-vehicle "Caravan of Victory" left the eastern city of Santiago on New Year's Day, retracing the route of Castro's guerrillas across the island after they toppled dictator Fulgencio Batista on Jan. 1, 1959 - an eight-day victory lap through key cities that culminated with an electrifying arrival to Havana.

     Cuba recreates the rebel caravan annually, but the latest installment felt smaller than in the past - and it was a mere shadow of the celebration that saw tens of thousands of Habaneros in business suits and straw hats, baby-faced soldiers and stately grandparents spill from their homes to see how the revolution would play out.

     "This is not a dictatorship," Castro said fifty years ago. "The day that the people do not want us we shall leave..." However, now 82 and suffering from an unknown ailment, the Cuban dictator is still in power. Castro has not been seen in public since undergoing emergency intestinal surgery in July 2006. His eldest child and namesake, 59-year-old "Fidelito," took his father's place in the recreated caravan, waving to supporters from the lead jeep, which was fitted with red-and-black rebel flags. Behind him came two trucks whose open-air beds were crammed with about 50 students and actors.
 

RUSSIA SHUTS OFF GAS TO 6 EUROPEAN NATIONS SHIPPED VIA UKRAINE 

       MOSCOW, RUSSIA--Six countries reported a complete shutoff of Russian gas shipped via Ukraine on Tuesday, in a sharp escalation of a struggle over energy that threatens Europe as winter sets in. Bulgaria, Greece, Macedonia, Romania, Croatia and Turkey all reported a halt in gas shipments from Russia through Ukraine. Croatia said it was temporarily reducing supplies to industrial customers and Bulgaria said it had enough gas for only "for a few days."

    The European Union in Brussels called the sudden cutoff to some of its member countries "completely unacceptable." In a strongly worded statement, the EU complained that that gas had been cut "without prior warning and in clear contradiction with the reassurances given by the highest Russian and Ukrainian authorities to the European Union." The EU has said that the dispute would not affect end consumers in the coming weeks. The sudden drop over the past day however, increased the diplomatic pressure to find a solution.

    Ukraine and Russia are locked in a dispute over pricing and overdue payments, and Russia cut Ukraine off on Jan. 1 but had promised to keep gas moving to Europe. Ukraine's state gas company Naftogaz said Russia's gas giant Gazprom had sharply reduced its shipments to Europe through pipelines crossing Ukraine, triggering the cuts. "Our Russian partners are playing cat and mouse with us," said Oleksandr Shlapak, economic adviser to Ukraine's president. "These actions today can lead to serious problems not only for the Ukrainian but also for the European gas transport systems."  Ukraine is refusing to pay $600 million Gazprom claims it is owed. Russia is also demanding an increase in the price Ukraine pays for its gas. Last year Ukraine paid Gazprom $179.50 per 1,000 cubic meters of gas, less than half of the average price European countries are expected to pay this year.

EUROPEAN UNION OFFICIALS SAYS GAS SUPPLY THROUGH UKRAINE SHOULD RESTART IMMEDIATELY 

     KIEV, UKRAINE--The European Union has finalized a deal on sending monitors to supervise supplies of Russian gas through Ukraine, an EU spokesman said Friday.  The deal raised hopes that millions of Europeans would soon have their gas switched on again, two days after the Russian supplies flowing through Ukraine to the continent were shut off amid a dispute between Russian energy giant Gazprom and Ukraine's state-run gas company, Nafrogaz. Gas did not immediately resume flowing through the pipelines after the EU's announcement, however, Gazprom spokesman Sergei Kurprianov said.
 
    After a flurry of meetings Thursday, representatives from all sides were in further negotiations Friday about the composition of the monitoring delegations. All sides told CNN that monitors were heading to Ukraine, but the makeup of that delegation was still unclear. Czech Prime Minister Mirek Topolanek was among those heading to the Ukrainian capital of Kiev on Friday to discuss the deal, a spokeswoman for the Czech EU presidency, Emma Smetana, said.

    The situation is rooted in a dispute between Ukraine and Russia over pricing and contractual terms dating back nearly a year. The two sides failed to reach agreement, leading Gazprom to shut off Ukraine's gas supply at the start of the year. Gas flowing through Ukraine to Europe initially continued to flow under international transit agreements, but that European supply was completely cut off Wednesday, leaving millions of Europeans facing an especially cold winter without gas. iReporter shivers in Ukraine. Gazprom and Naftogaz blamed the other for shutting the European supply.The EU has called the situation "unacceptable." About a quarter of Europe's gas supplies come from Gazprom. Among Gazprom's accusations is that Ukraine siphoned off Russian gas intended for Europe when its own supply was cut. Ukraine denies allegations of impropriety and called for independent investigations.
 

01-09-2009

AGREEMENT MADE ON GAZA CEASE-FIRE RESOLUTION, DIPLOMATS SAID

     GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP-- An agreement on a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an Israeli-Gaza cease-fire has been reached, Arab and Western diplomats said Thursday afternoon.  A preliminary draft of the resolution obtained by CNN on Thursday expresses "grave concern" at the growing humanitarian crisis and heavy civilian casualties in Gaza as well as civilian deaths in Israel from Hamas rocket fire.

     It was not clear immediately when a vote on the resolution could take place.  The resolution draft "stresses the urgency of, and calls for, an immediate, durable, and fully respected cease-fire which will lead to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza." The draft also welcomes efforts by Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak to broker a cease-fire between Israelis and Palestinians in current talks in Cairo, Egypt.

     The draft calls for the opening of corridors to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, where food, water, electricity and medicine shortages have worsened already poor conditions since Israel's offensive in Gaza began.  The council's wrangling over the resolution centered on wording. Arab countries generally pushed for language demanding Israel cease attacks, while Western diplomats wanted more neutral language. The U.N. General Assembly postponed a meeting scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday in anticipation of a vote by the Security Council.

VENEZUELA'S BISHOPS: "DEMOCRACY CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT THE RIGHT TO LIFE 

      CARACAS, VENEZUELA--Monsignor Ubaldo Santana, the chair of the Venezuelan Bishops' Conference (CEV), urged the Venezuelan government to solve the problems affecting Venezuelans, especially high crime rates; instead of trying to accumulate "more power."  At the opening session of the 91st General Assembly of CEV, Santana, who is the Bishop of Maracaibo City, west Venezuela, warned: "Democracy cannot exist without the sacred right to life, the right to property and the right to move freely throughout the territory, without being subject to a curfew imposed by criminals."

    After claiming that "Venezuela has become one of the most crime-ridden and violent cities in the world," Santana urged national and regional authorities, as well as law enforcement agencies, to take bold measures to fight high crime rates, which according to non-governmental organizations such as the Venezuelan Program of Education-Action in Human Rights (Provea), left some 10,600 people killed between January and September 2008.

     Although in his speech Santana did not refer exactly to the presidential proposal to amend the Constitution to establish indefinite reelection, the chair of the CEV did show concern about the "excessive involvement of rulers and leaders to grasp ampler powers, thus neglecting their main role, which is to rule and solve the serious and concrete problems affecting the Venezuelan people."    The Bishop also warned that "leaving aside the basic needs of the people to seek political power destroys the people and promotes social anarchy."  The chair of the CEV also condemned the insults hurled some days ago by President Hugo Chávez at Caracas Archbishop, Cardinal Jorge Urosa.

VENEZUELAN OIL WORKERS ON ALERT DUE TO IMPACT OF ECONOMIC CRISIS

     CARACAS, VENEZUELA--VENEZUELAN Trade union leaders said that some oil workers have been dismissed in northwestern Zulia state. They expect state-run oil company Pdvsa finds alternatives to alleviate the effects of crisis.
  
    Although northeastern Anzoátegui state's oil trade unions support the constitutional amendment proposed by the Venezuelan government to establish indefinite reelection of public officials, they have warned President Hugo Chávez that they will not accept the dismissal of workers in different areas of the state-owned oil company Petróleos de Venezuela (Pdvsa).

     Raúl Párica, the secretary general of the oil trade union Sinutrapetrol, said that the cut of oil production and the drop in oil prices should lead to a wise and understanding attitude to avoid the removal of thousand workers, as has occurred ever since last December in the western state of Zulia and the eastern city of Anaco in Anzoátegui state. Párica added that in the government there are people interested in creating problems. They do not want to implement the measures of a socialist revolution and are keen to dismiss workers due to the crisis that is going to worsen this year.

01-08-2009

HUGO CHAVEZ EXPELS ISRAELI AMBASSADOR OVER GAZA WAR

     CARACAS, VENEZUELA-- HUGO CHAVEZ ordered the expulsion of the Israeli ambassador on Tuesday to protest Israel's military offensive in the Gaza Strip. Hugo Chavez has condemned the campaign in Gaza, where nearly 600 Palestinians have been killed in ground and air strikes. Israel launched the attacks Dec. 27 to stop Palestinian militants from firing rockets into southern Israel.

     Venezuela's Foreign Ministry announced Chavez's decision in a statement, saying it "has decided to expel the Israeli ambassador and part of the personnel of the Israeli embassy."  Chavez earlier condemned the Israelis carrying out the military campaign as "murderers" and urged Jews in Venezuela to take a stand against the Israeli government. "Now I hope that the Venezuelan Jewish community speaks out against this barbarism. Do it. Don't you strongly reject all acts of persecution?" Chavez said.

     "How far will this barbarism go?," he said in an appearance on state television. "The president of Israel should be taken before an international court together with the president of the United States, if the world had any conscience." The foreign minister said its U.N. mission is joining with other countries in demanding the Security Council "apply urgent and necessary measures to stop this invasion." Chavez has long been critical of the Israeli government's policies in the Middle East and has supported the Palestinians' stance in the conflict.  

ISRAEL MULLS OVER HUGO CHAVEZ'S EXPULSION OF ITS VENEZUELAN AMBASSADOR 

      JERUSALEN, ISRAEL--Israel on Wednesday harshly replied to Hugo Chávez, following his decision to expel the Israeli ambassador from Caracas, and is pondering the possibility to take the same action against the Venezuelan envoy in the Jewish state. 

    "We have not yet decided what to do, but we are very likely to react the same way," spokesman for the Israeli Foreign Ministry Yigal Palmor said.  "The brutal behavior of President Chávez honors neither his country nor the friendly people of Venezuela, with whom we have and wish to keep a friendly relationship forever. Anyone having fundamentalists and extremists as allies does not honor his country or his people," Palmor stressed. 

     In response to the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announcing the expulsion of all embassy personnel, the Foreign Ministry in Jerusalem said that Israel will continue to protect itself from its enemies, amongst them Hamas and Iran, Israel Radio reported.  The Foreign Ministry added that every country must decide whether it is on the side which is fighting terrorism, or the side supporting it.

TURKEY HOLDING IRAN SHIP BOUND FOR VENEZUELA WITH EQUIPMENT CAPABLE OF PRODUCING EXPLOSIVES 

     ANKARA, TURKEY--Turkey was holding a suspicious shipment bound for Venezuela from Iran because it contained lab equipment capable of producing explosives, a customs official said Tuesday. Suleyman Tosun, a customs official at the Mediterranean port of Mersin, said military experts were asked to examine the material, which was seized last month, and decide whether to let the shipment to go to Venezuela.

    Authorities detected the equipment during a search of 22 containers labeled "tractor parts," Tosun said. They were brought to Mersin by trucks from neighboring Iran, he said. Turkey's Interior Ministry said an investigation was under way.  "Experts from Turkey's Atomic Institute determined there were no traces of radioactive material, but said the equipment was enough to set up an explosives lab," Tosun said. "We have asked the military to send experts to determine whether to resume the shipment."

    Some barrels, labeled with "danger" signs, contained chemicals. Tosun said details were still unclear. An Iranian embassy official, speaking on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media, said the shipment contained "nothing important." Iran and Venezuela operate various joint ventures in Venezuela, including plants to assemble tractors and cars. The two countries also have agreed to team up on petrochemical projects.

01-07-2009

HUGO CHAVEZ PROPOSES INDEFINITE REELECTION FO ALL VENEZUELAN ELECTED OFFICES

     CARACAS, VENEZUELA-- The Venezuelan President noted that this will depend on the performance of each government, in addition to any decision to be made through the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).  During a meeting with the Simón Bolívar Campaign Team, President Hugo Chávez suggested that the right of free election may be extended with no restrictions to all elected incumbencies, including state governors, mayors and deputies in the proposed amendment to the Constitution.

    "I would like the right to free nomination with no restrictions to be extended to state governors, mayors and national and local deputies for all of us to have the same right and the same dynamics. This will signal a breaking point with the old democracy. At bottom, we are proposing a break with a democratic, classic liberal, model," he said

    He noted that this will depend on the performance of each government, in addition to any decision to be made through the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV). "This is the extension of the people's right to elect with no restrictions and nominate whoever they want."  Chávez remembered that on January 9-13 the second stage for collection of signatures will start in support of the amendment to the Constitution.

THE EXPANSION OF CHAVEZ'S PROPOSED AMENDMENT SHOULD NOT INFLUENCE ITS REJECTION

      CARACAS, VENEZUELA--According to Luis Vicente León, director of Datanálisis, a Caracas-based pollster, the proposal to include indefinite reelection of governors and mayors in the constitutional amendment is part of the surprises prepared by Venezuela's President  Hugo Chávez to reduce rejection against his likely nomination for a fourth consecutive term in 2012.

    León said that with this move Chávez "is trying to minimize the discussion that the amendment is strictly related to his personal ambitions. He also tries to send the message that he wants to strengthen the revolution, rather than his own cause."  

    According to León, who is also a political analyst, President Chávez is seeking three main goals with his new proposal: 1. Reduce the rejection against a "self-centered proposal," which is the way many view the original proposal. 2. Rebut claims that the amendment is similar to a constitutional reform rejected in 2007. 3. Encourage governors and mayors to support his proposal and mobilize voters.  However, according to León, the expansion of the proposed amendment should not substantially influence the rejection on the possibility that Chávez remains in power beyond 2012.

OIL PRICES RISE ABOVE USD 47 ON GAZA TENSIONS, RUSSIA GAS ROW

     LONDON, ENGLAND--Oil prices have climbed more than 25 percent since Israel launched its Gaza offensive on December 27. The Russian gas export row stoked fears for European energy supplies.

    Oil jumped to a three week high on Monday after an Iranian military commander called for an oil boycott over Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip, and as the Russian gas export row stoked fears for European energy supplies. An OPEC source told Reuters that the Iranian call would not sway other members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

    A strong start to the new year for stock markets, mounting evidence of OPEC's compliance with production cuts, and the US Energy Department's decision to start rebuilding its crude reserves have also helped oil to a third day of gains.

01-06-2009

OAS SECRETARY JOSE MIGUEL INSULZA DECLINES CHILE PRESIDENTIAL BID

     SANTIAGO DE CHILE, CHILE-- A top Latin American diplomat says he won't run in an April presidential primary in his home country, Chile.

    Organization of American States chief Jose Miguel Insulza says instead of running, he is backing ex-president Eduardo Frei as a candidate. The endorsement Monday helps to unify Chile's ruling coalition, the Socialist and Christian Democrat parties, two key pillars of the center-left that now backs President Michelle Bachelet.

    Frei, who is favored to win the nomination, faces Radical Social Democrat Jose Antonio Gomez in the primary. The conservative opposition has already nominated businessman Sebastian Pinera as its candidate for the Dec. 11 general vote.

CITGO SUSPENDS FREE HEATING OIL PROGRAM FOR LOW-INCOME RESIDENTS ADMINISTERED BY JOSEPH KENNEDY

      BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS--Citgo has suspended its free heating oil program for low-income residents, Citizens Energy Chairman Joseph Kennedy announced Monday.

    Kennedy said the Venezuelan government's Texas-based oil subsidiary cited falling oil prices and the world economic crisis for forcing the company to reevaluate all of its social programs, including the heating oil program aimed at 400,000 households in 16 states. The program, started in 2005 with Citizens Energy, a nonprofit headed by Kennedy, sent 100 gallons of free oil a year to eligible households.

    "It remains unclear how long this postponement, if it is one, will last," Kennedy said in a statement on the Citizens Energy Web site. "All of us at Citizens Energy continue to do everything we can to advocate for a continuation of this vital assistance."  Kennedy drew fire from critics of Chavez when he began the fuel assistance program with Citgo. Critics charged that Chavez, a socialist and staunch U.S. critic who famously called President Bush "the devil," was using the heating oil program as propaganda. Rep. Connie Mack, R-Fla., accused Kennedy of working with "a sworn enemy of the United States" and betraying the legacy of President John F. Kennedy, his uncle, who spoke of the perils of communism.

RUSSIA TO MAKE TWO LUXURY PASSENGER AIRCRAFTS FOR HUGO CHAVEZ

     MOSCOW, RUSSIA--Russia announced on Sunday that it will deliver two Ilyushin IL-96-300 long-range passenger jets to Venezuela similar to those used by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and those ordered by Cuban leader Fidel Castro.

    "The agreement with Venezuela for two IL-96-300 passenger jets will be signed late January or early February 2009," said Yuri Ostrovski, the deputy general director of Ilyushin Finance Company, to news agency Interfax, as reported by EFE.  The top Russian official said that a Venezuelan delegation will visit Moscow at that time to initial the contract and outline and approve the design of the technical project of the aircrafts, one of which would be built later this year and the other in early 2010. The price of the airliners is between USD 40 and 50 million.

    Ostrovski conceded that the design of these aircrafts will be similar to the two IL-96-300s delivered in 2005 to Cuba, one of which was a passenger airliner and the second was intended for use by Fidel Castro. However, Ostrovski did not specify whether one of the aircrafts would be specially designed for Hugo Chávez.

01-05-2009

US OBJECTION PREVENTS UNBALANCED UN RESOLUTION AGAINST ISRAEL ANTI-TERROR

     UNITED NATIONS, NEW YORK--The U.N. Security Council failed to agree on a statement Thursday on a recent surge in violence between Israel and the Palestinians, after the United States said the proposed draft was unfairly critical of Israel. The Palestinian U.N. observer, Riyad Mansour, strongly suggested that the United States was the lone holdout against the statement, though he did not mention the U.S. by name.  He referred to "one member who is shielding and protecting the Israeli actions and aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza and in other parts of the occupied territory."

    Diplomats said Britain and Denmark also had problems with the draft, and U.S. Ambassador John Bolton would not say if the United States was the only one opposed.  "If I were the only holdout I'd be proud of that fact," Bolton said after the council could not agree on the text.  The draft proposed by Qatar on behalf of the Palestinians would have expressed concern about the "indiscriminate shelling against the Gaza Strip, resulting in extensive human casualties."

     It would have called on Israel to halt "military operations and excessive use of force that endangers the Palestinian civilian populations."  The United States had argued for its long-standing belief that any such statement mention both sides' obligations under the road map to Mideast peace and cite Palestinian attacks against Israel as well.  "The balance of the text as it ended up was still not adequate in our view and we weren't prepared to support it," Bolton said afterward. "It was disproportionately critical of Israel, and unfairly so and needlessly so."  Because the draft failed, the Security Council will hold an open meeting on Monday when any of the 191 member states of the United Nations can speak. The council will also hold a monthly meeting on the Middle East a week after that. 

ISRAEL TROOPS PUSH FORWARD, SPLITTING GAZA

      GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP-- Thousands of Israeli troops pushed into Gaza, essentially splitting north from south by Sunday, the second day of the ground incursion. The troops, backed by tanks, artillery and helicopters, gained control of parts of northern Gaza on Sunday, according to Palestinian security sources.  The ground push has resulted in mounting casualties on both sides, as Israel continues the air assault it started on December 27. More than 500 Palestinians were killed over the past week, according to Palestinian medical sources.

    "Every couple of minutes we hear an explosion," Safa Joudeh, a Gaza City resident, told CNN early Monday. "We can see tanks coming closer and closer into Gaza."   She said most residents are confined to their homes, without electricity and running out of food and water. Palestinian medical sources say Israeli forces have killed 37 Palestinians -- both civilians and militants -- since moving into the territory Saturday night.

    With those deaths, at least 507 Palestinians, including about 100 women and children, have been killed since Israeli airstrikes began December 27, and 2,600 Palestinians have been injured, most of them civilians, sources said. An Israeli soldier was killed and another seriously wounded near Jabalya in northern Gaza, according to the Israeli military. It marks the first Israeli military death since the ground operation was launched Saturday night.

HOMICIDE BOMBER KILLS AT LEAST 38 IN BAGHDAD

     BAGHDAD, IRAQ--A female homicide bomber blew herself up on Sunday among a crowd of pilgrims worshipping at a revered Shiite shrine in northern Baghdad, killing at least 38 people and wounding about 72, the Iraqi army and police said. The attack during one of the holiest periods for Shiite Muslims came just as Iraqi forces took the lead on security under an agreement with the United States that went into effect on New Year's Day. Under that agreement, U.S. forces take a back seat on security issues in much of the country following the Dec. 31 expiration of a U.N. mandate for foreign troops.

    The woman, wearing a traditional black cloak, approached the gate to the shrine of Imam Mousa al-Kazim, one of the holiest men in Shiite Islam, witnesses said. She apparently blew herself while among a group of Iranian pilgrims in front of the shrine's main gate, they said. "Around 16 Iranian pilgrims arrived here at this gate, they came from the market area and a few moments later a blast occurred," Mahir Abu Mahdi, a witness, told Associated Press Television News.

    The office of Iraqi army spokesman Brig. Gen. Qassim al-Moussawi confirmed a woman wearing an explosives vest was responsible for the attack, which occurred just before noon in the northern Shiite neighborhood of Kazimiyah. The attack came as Shiites prepared to mark Ashura on Jan. 7. Falling on the 10th of Muharram under the Islamic lunar calendar, it is one of the most important holy days for Shiite Muslims and marks the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson Imam Hussein.

01-04-2009

GOVERNOR CHRIST APPOINTS JORGE LABARGA, A CUBAN AMERICAN JUDGE, TO THE FLORIDA SUPREME COURT  

     MIAMI, FLORIDA--JORGE LABARGA, who fled his native Cuba as a boy after Fidel Castro seized power, on Friday became the second Cuban-American justice to serve on the Florida Supreme Court. Gov. Charlie Crist, who twice bypassed Labarga as a finalist for the state's highest court, appointed the 56-year-old Palm Beach County circuit judge. Less than two weeks ago, Crist appointed Labarga to a vacancy on the Fourth District Court of Appeal. ''His broad experience has given him truly the opportunity to firsthand see how law and the courts affect people's lives,'' Crist said of Labarga in an announcement held in St. Petersburg, where Crist has an office.

     The governor said Labarga has ``all of the qualities needed in a Supreme Court justice: confidence, integrity, fairness and compassion, as well as an added dimension -- diversity.'' In a state where nearly one of five residents are Hispanic, diversity appeared to be central to Crist's decision, which follows one of the most controversial episodes in years involving a Supreme Court vacancy. Labarga was one of five names sent to Crist last month by the nine-member Supreme Court Judicial Nominating Commission, a panel of political appointees. But Crist insisted on more names, saying the pool lacked diversity.

     Labarga said he was 11 years old when he fled Havana with his parents, who settled in Pahokee so his father could continue working in sugar mills, as he did in Cuba. Labarga said he can recall attaching a Cuban flag to the radio antenna of his father's 1956 Chevrolet. ''I have a special appreciation for the United States and the system of government we live in,'' Labarga said. ``It will be my priority to be sure our constitutional principles are enforced.''

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SANTERIA PRIESTS EXPECT A BETTER YEAR IN CUBA

      HAVANA, CUBA-- The priests of Cuba's African-based Santeria sect, known as "babalawos," predicted here Friday that 2009 will be better than last year. While suggesting that it's a good time to ask for loans, despite the economic crisis, they warn married couples to be on guard against ill-chosen words and the temptation to stray. According to predictions announced in Havana by members of the committee responsible for the annual forecast, or "Letter of the Year," 2009 will be reigned over by Oggun, the war god, and by Oya, in charge of storms and gentle breezes, whose presence signifies "relief."

     The year will be governed by the sign of Ofun Nabe, whose legend speaks of the clash between two brothers after money appeared in the world, but its outcome could be "favorable" depending on the "good or evil use" that men put it to, the babalawo Victor Betancourt said. The prediction also warns of the perils of drinking water being contaminated, family quarrels, wars and the threat of natural disasters, and calls for men to respect women in the home.

     "Ofun Nobe is a call to improve the present in order to guarantee a much better future. It gives us the chance to achieve all we yearn for, a present full of possibilities and a future full of hope," he said. Cuesta stressed the importance of the prophetic prayer "An asset of immunity against danger" that accompanies the 2009 "Letter," and called on people to "pay a little more attention" to the babalawos' warnings. "In Havana, where many babalawos were gathered, we made the Ebbo (sacrifice) recommended by Orula, and the hurricanes were everywhere, there were disasters everywhere, but we were the least affected," he said, referring to the three hurricanes that ripped through Cuba in 2008 and left losses of $10 billion in their wake.

NINE REPORTED KILLED IN AIRSTRIKE ON GAZA MOSQUE

     GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP--An Israeli airstrike hit a mosque in the northern Gaza village of Beit Lahiya on Saturday evening, killing nine people and wounding 60, according to Palestinian medical sources. 1 of 3  Leaflets signed by the commander of the Israeli military were dropped over northern Gaza on Saturday morning, warning residents to "leave the area immediately" to ensure their safety. Israeli tanks and troops have massed on the Gaza border, and an Israel Defense Forces spokeswoman said ground forces are prepared to enter Gaza when they receive orders to do so.

    "Due to the terrorist actions undertaken by terrorist elements from the region of your residences against the state of Israel, the Israel Defense Forces are compelled to respond immediately in the region of your residences. For your safety, you are ordered to leave the area immediately," the leaflets say. Exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal promised bloodshed if Israeli ground troops enter Gaza.

    "As for you, the soldiers of the enemy whose leadership are getting you ready to enter Gaza in a ground attack, you need to know that doom will await you and you will be killed, injured and captured," Meshaal, speaking in Syria, told the Al Jazeera television network Friday. "If the enemy got into Gaza, our people will fight from one street to the next, from one house to the other, and on every inch of the land."  Find out who's who on each side »

01-03-2009

BELIEVE IT OR NOT -- RAUL CASTRO SAID THAT THE CUBA REVOLUTION WILL LAST ANOTHER 50 YEARS

     SANTIAGO DE CUBA, CUBA--Speaking before a crowd of about 3,000 loyalists, Cuban leader Raúl Castro warned that life on the island would not get easier, but said that the revolution that was victorious 50 years ago remained strong and could not be destroyed by outside forces. ''Today, the revolution is stronger than ever,'' said the 77-year-old who formally took over the leadership in February but has been running the country since his older brother Fidel took ill in July 2006. ``Does that mean that dangers have diminished? ''Of course not, let's not have illusions,''

    Castro said. ``Let us commemorate this half a century of victory by reflecting toward the future, toward the next 50 years.'' Dressed in his military uniform and speaking behind a podium, Castro warned that the struggling nation would continue to endure hardships. ''I'm not saying that to scare anyone, but because it is simply the reality,'' he said, adding that younger generations have to be groomed to take over a struggle that must continue to honor ``the sacrifices of thousands of compatriots.'' Castro also acknowledged that the revolution has flaws: ''Our people know every imperfection of our struggle,'' he said. But he added that the revolution could not be dismantled by outside forces, a reference to the United States.

     ''This country can self-destruct from within,'' he said. ``But it can't be destroyed by them.'' Castro kept his address short, lasting less than an hour. Most of the two-hour program served as a homage to Castro. The elder Castro's health is a state secret and he has not been seen in public since undergoing major intestinal surgery.

HUGO CHAVEZ ORDERS CUBAN FLAG TO FLY OUTSIDE SIMON BOLIVAR'S TOMB  

      CARACAS, VENEZUELA-- On January 1st, Hugo Chávez commemorated the 50th anniversary of Cuba's revolution. Cuban Revolution Commander Ramiro Valdés was invited to preside over the commemoration in Venezuela of the 50th anniversary of Cuba's revolution (Photo: Miraflores Press Office)

    Although January 1st is not a national holiday in Venezuela, the doors of the National Pantheon, the site where the remains of illustrious Venezuelans, including Simón Bolívar, are housed, were open to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cuban revolution. At 12:38 p.m. the cameras of state-run TV network Venezolana de Televisión focused on President Hugo Chávez, some members of his cabinet, some governors and a special guest: Ramiro Valdés, a Commander of the Cuban revolution.

    "Tell Fidel (Castro) that from today the Cuban flag will be hoisted alongside these other flags because Cuba is a part of this homeland, of this nation. We have cried for Cuba, we fight for Cuba and we are ready to die if we have to die for a revolutionary Cuba," Chávez said before insisting, "Commander Ramiro, tell Fidel (Castro) that from today the Cuban flag will be hoisted inside this building next to the flags of Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and Panama."

VENEZUELAN OIL ANALYST BELIEVES THAT HIS COUNTRY'S OIL REVENUES IN 2009 WILL NOT MEET BASIC NEEDS

     CARACAS, VENEZUELA.--Based on a production cost of USD 7 to USD 8 per barrel, and an average price of USD 40, Quintero estimates that in 2009 Venezuela will receive USD 20 billion from total oil revenues, compared to USD 60 billion in 2008

    Heliodoro Quintero, oil analyst and former Venezuela's governor to the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), thinks that a Venezuelan oil basket with a price of USD 40 is a feasible scenario for the country in 2009. With this price, oil revenues would be even lower than the amount that the country allocated for importing beverages and food. Quintero said a scenario with higher oil prices is unlikely. According to the oil expert, a more likely option would be a downward trend. He dares to make projections assuming that OPEC decisions succeed and push the local oil basket up to USD 30, USD 40, USD 45 and even to USD 50.

    Based on a production cost of USD 7 to USD 8 per barrel, and an average price of USD 40, Quintero estimates that in 2009 Venezuela will receive USD 20 billion from total oil revenues, compared to USD 60 billion in 2008. He added that in 2008, imports of goods totaled USD 50 billion, and half of them were related to food and beverage products. As a result, oil revenues will be insufficient to cover these items in 2009.

01-02-2009

IRAQIS TAKE CONTROL OF BAGHDAD'S 'GREEN ZONE'

     BAGHDAD, IRAQ--The U.S. military formally handed authority over Baghdad's "Green Zone" to Iraqis on Thursday as new pacts governing the mission of international troops replaced a U.N. mandate. Iraqi troops took over checkpoints around the heavily protected district, formally known as the International Zone, which houses Iraqi government offices and the U.S. Embassy. Saddam Hussein's Republican Palace, which served as U.S. headquarters in Baghdad after the 2003 invasion that ousted Iraq's longtime strongman, was among the facilities handed over in Thursday's ceremony.

    "This day is a great day in the history of the Iraqi people," Iraqi military spokesman Maj. Gen. Qassim Atta said. Maj. Gen. David Perkins, a U.S. military spokesman, noted the significance of turning over the former Republican Palace. Watch what goes on in the "Green Zone" » "The palace was handed back to the Iraqi people, significant as symbol of the head of the government and a sign for increased sovereignty," he said at a news conference with Atta.

    Thursday marked the first day of a U.S.-Iraqi pact that allows U.S. forces to remain in the country until 2011, under tighter restrictions. Similar agreements have been signed with other coalition countries that remain in Iraq. A U.N. mandate that authorized international forces in the country expired Wednesday. Perkins said American troops will continue to fight alongside Iraqis -- "but the Iraqis will be in the lead." Iraq's three-member Presidency Council ratified the new pact in December. Under the deal, U.S. troops will withdraw from Iraqi cities and towns by June 30, and all American troops will leave the country by the end of 2011, more than eight years after the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Hussein.

AIRSTRIKE ON REFUGEE CAMP KILLS NIZAR RAYA, A SENIOR HAMAS COMMANDER

      GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP-- A leading commander of Hamas' military wing in Gaza was among 10 people killed Thursday in an Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian refugee camp, Hamas security and Palestinian medical sources said. The Israeli news organization Haaretz described Rayan as the most senior Hamas leader killed in Israel's six-day air offensive on Gaza. Haaretz described him as an "outspoken advocate of renewing suicide bombings against Israel." The Palestinian television station Ramattan reported that several members of Rayan's family also were killed.

     Video showed crowds of men shouting as they climbed mounds of debris searching for victims. The blast also damaged nearby buildings. The Israel Defense Forces confirmed the airstrike on the camp but had no information about casualties. It said it is striking houses where weapons are stored. Israel has been hammering targets in Gaza for six days, a bombardment Israel's prime minister vowed would not end until Hamas militants quit firing rockets into the Jewish state. An overnight attack on the Palestinian parliament building gutted the structure.

     Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's government rejected a French proposal for a humanitarian truce Wednesday. "We did not enter this operation in order to end it with the firing still continuing," Olmert told his security Cabinet on Wednesday, according to a senior government official. Palestinian sources said targets south, west and north of Gaza City were hit early Thursday. In addition to the legislative building, the ministries of justice and education and civil defense headquarters, to the city's west, were targeted by Israeli airstrikes. Watch people run in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike » Meanwhile, five rockets were launched into Israel, including two medium-range rockets that fell near the city of Beer Sheva, nearly 19 miles outside Gaza, the IDF reported.

FOREIGN POLICY MAGAZINE NAMES CARACAS, VENEZUELA, THE MURDER CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

     WASHINGTON, D.C.--Foreign Policy magazine said that Caracas tops the list of five murder capitals of the world, with an official tally of 130 homicides per 100,000 residents. The city, which is Venezuela's capital, has about 4 million inhabitants. The rate in Caracas comes in far ahead of the following four murderous capitals. "Caracas has become far more dangerous in recent years than any South American city, even beating out the once notorious Bogota, [Colombia]," Foreign Policy said.

    "What's worse, the city's official homicide statistics likely fall short of the mark because they omit prison-related murders as well as deaths that the state never gets around to properly 'categorizing.' "The numbers also don't count those who died while 'resisting arrest,' suggesting that Caracas' cops -- already known for their brutality against student protesters -- might be cooking the books," the magazine said.

     Globovision TV reported this week that officials reported 510 killings in Caracas this month, capping a particularly brutal year. "It's shocking," said Jennifer McCoy, director of The Americas Program at the Carter Center in Atlanta. "It's the biggest concern of the population -- crime and security." Federico Welsch, a political science professor at La Universidad de Simon Bolivar in Caracas for 25 years, has seen that crime up close. "Violence is the major problem for Venezuelans, according to any source you use," Welsch told CNN on Tuesday. "It's doubly sad because, primarily, the deaths occur almost exclusively in the poor sectors, and, secondarily, it's among youth under 30 years old." The magazine lists, in descending order, Caracas; Cape Town, South Africa; New Orleans; Moscow, Russia; and Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, as the top five murder capitals in the world.

01-01-2009

UN CHIEF CONCERNED AT HUMANITARIAN SITUATION IN GAZA

     GAZA CITY, GAZA STRIP--UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon expressed his concern at the humanitarian situation in Gaza.  "He has underscored the importance of having Israel urgently permit the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza, and regrets that his calls have not yet been heeded," Ban's press office said in a statement.

     The secretary-general again condemned rocket and other attacks by Palestinian militants against Israeli civilian targets, calling for an end to such attacks, and urging full respect by all parties for the calm that has been in effect since June 19, 2008.

    Earlier in the day, UN Emergency Relief Coordinator John Holmes called for the parties to refrain from violence and to allow for the sustained and immediate opening of the border crossings in Gaza. "Measures which increase the hardship and suffering of the civilian population of the Gaza Strip as a whole are unacceptable and must cease immediately," Holmes stated.

HUGO CHAVEZ SAID "WE HAVE SAVED VENEZUELA AND WILL CONTINUE THE BOLIVARIAN REVOLUTION

      CARACAS, VENEZUELA-- Advocating the new phase of the Bolivarian Revolution, in 2009-2019, Venezuela's  Hugo Chávez, addressed the country in a nationwide mandatory broadcast on all free-to-air TV and radio channels, and announced that his government plans to invest "USD 100 billion over the next four years." The main goal of such funds, according to the ruler, is "to continue promoting social and productive development."

    Without directly naming the draft constitutional amendment promoted by his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), the National Assembly and the president himself, Chávez said "we have saved Venezuela and we have been called to continue saving our country." Chávez said that officials with previous administrations at this time "would be simply selling the remains of the country." He added that Venezuelan authorities in the past would have made moves similar to those ordered by the International Monetary Fund and economic prescriptions that would have affected the country.

     According to the head of state, when he took office at the end of the 90's, Venezuela was in the midrange of the Human Development Index (HDI), at 0.77 in a 0 to 1 scale. Today, a decade into his revolution, Venezuela's HDI is 0.8263, which ranks the country in the upper range of such indicator. On the other hand, Chávez said that in 1998 extreme poverty was above 20 percent and at the end of 2007 it declined to 9.5 percent. "A reduction higher than 50 percent... Never in the history of Venezuela has our country experienced such profound changes. This is only possible thanks to the revolution," said the Venezuelan president.

PABLO MILANES: "I DON'T TRUST ANY CUBAN LEADER WHO IS OVER 75 YEARS OLD" 

     VIGO, SPAIN--About to begin a national tour, Cuban singer Pablo Milanés unburdened himself in an interview with the Spanish daily Público. During the interview, when asked about conditions in his homeland, he replied "Very bad, after three hurricanes, a crisis that has not been solved, and leaders who do nothing to pull the nation ahead amid this paralysis. If to this you add the world crisis, well, we're fixed for good."

    Asked if he trusts that Raúl Castro will take steps to move the country ahead, Milanés answered: "I do not trust in any Cuban leader who is older than 75, because all of them [...] overstayed their moments of glory [...] they are ready to be retired. We have to pass the baton to the new generations so they may make another socialism, because this socialism is already stagnant. It gave all it could give [...] but we have to make reforms on many fronts of the Revolution, because our leaders are no longer capable. Their revolutionary ideas of the past have become reactionary and that reaction does not allow for the continuation, for the advancement of the new generation, which has been implementing a new socialism, a new revolution."

    The old revolutionary leaders "simply must retire [...] They did what they had to do in their times. Simply, they are not doing today what they should be doing." The Cuban citizen "can no longer live from promises. The old achievements are there; we must now head toward new achievements, [and] these are accomplished with new thoughts and new dynamics that [the old leaders] are incapable of exercising. We are paralyzed in every sense; we make plans for a future that never comes." There is unrest among the youth, Milanés said. "Young Cubans are molded in a very beautiful manner, but then they have to emigrate in order to project what they studied. It's very sad, because it's not even political exile; it's an economic exile due to the few possibilities that exist in our country."