Major newspapers in the United States have published editorials aggressively and harshly criticizing recent declarations and decisions made by re-elected President Hugo Chávez and his cabinet. A large percentage of the content of these editorials are based on a distortion and misconception of new policies being implemented in Venezuela and the overall way government is functioning.

Deputy Escarrá assured that the request of an Enabling Law is an old practice in Venezuela

The request made by President Hugo Chávez to legislate through special powers has happened in all the history of Venezuela and do not entail that the National Assembly must be closed.

Not about free speech: the case of Venezuela's RCTV

The idea that media concessions entail responsibility is not at all unique. Even the U.S. FCC maintains a similar position, notwithstanding the swift de-regulation during the early years of the Reagan administration. As we all know, the FCC maintains certain content restrictions on broadcasting and is not unwilling to silence those who infringe upon these restrictions.

Latinbarometro: Venezuelans have highest regard for their democracy

Venezuelans view their democracy more favorably than the citizens of all other Latin American countries view their own democracies, except Uruguay, according to a new survey released by the Chilean NGO Latinbarometro

Election observers submit reports on Venezuelan presidential election

The Electoral Observer Mission of the Organization of American States (OAS) submitted its preliminary report which certified that the December 3rd presidential election occurred within a framework of 'general normality' and transparency. Other observer reports that have already been submitted with similar results were those of the European Union and the Venezuelan NGO Electoral Eye.

Venezuela's socialism backs the private property

President Hugo Chávez underlined that the private businessmen and the small producers are invited to participate in the building of the socialism of XXI century because to in this new socialism model the mixed economic system is included.

Nationalizations will comply with Constitution

Minister of Finance, Rodrigo Cabezas, said Venezuela will not use confiscation as part of its plans for company nationalization.

Venezuela to compensate telecom owners upon nationalization

The Finance Chairman of the Venezuelan National Assembly, Ricardo Sanguino, said that his government would compensate those companies that are to lose out over the nationalization plans of his government.

We want CANTV to be as efficient as PDVSA

The new Minister of Telecommunications, Jesse Chacon, said 'we want the National Telephone Company, CANTV, to have efficient development like PDVSA'.

Venezuela moves towards social technology

The Venezuelan Telecommunication Minister pointed out that the nationalization of Compañía Anónima Nacional Teléfonos de Venezuela (Cantv), Venezuela's main telephone company, is aimed at controlling its platform in order to create spaces for other national operators

The Economist: Economic and financial indicators

Venezuela: the second fastest growing economy (GDP)

Venezuelan government to triple agriculture budget for 2007

President Chávez approved of an additional $800 million for supporting agriculture in Venezuela, which represents an increase of more than triple the currently budgeted amount.

Venezuela is developing the most important railway project

President of the State Railway Institute said Venezuela is developing the most important railway plan in the world. He referred to six sections that are currently being built, which will connect the country from north to south and from east to west.

Venezuela's unemployment rate in December fell to its lowest since at least January 1999, the country's national statistics agency said.

President Hugo Chávez to work for a solid system in Mercosur

President Hugo Chávez, during his speech at the XXXI Mercosur Summit said 'we want Mercosur to be a solid system and we ratify our commitment with this economic bloc'.

Venezuela and Brazil agree to 1st phase of transcontinental gas pipeline

Venezuela's and Brazil's Presidents signed a declaration to begin the first phase of the Great Southern Gas Pipeline in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Chavez clarified
Published by The Times, in Letters to the Editor.
Written by Alfredo Toro Hardy
Ambassador of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the United Kingdom