June 30, 2006
Venezuela gives $100,000 to California based organization dedicated to preventing violence among youths

(AP) - "The Venezuelan government donated $100,000 to a Santa Cruz, California based nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing violence among youths, an official said.

Deputy Justice Minister Yuri Pimentel made the announcement during a meeting in Venezuela's capital with American singer and activist Harry Belafonte, who accepted the donation on behalf of the California Coalition of Barrios Unidos.

'This first cooperation project with the Barrio Unidos association will allow us to continue direct alliances with American civic groups,' Pimentel said.

Belafonte, a liberal activist famous for his calypso-inspired music, is an ally of President Hugo Chávez and vocal critic of U.S. President Bush.

'This solidarity can make a difference in helping to break the culture of violence,' said Belafonte, a long time supporter of the organization".