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Last Updated: Sep 12, 2008 - 9:03:06 AM |
Mounting problems have Chavez more defiant than ever Chavez said he's
asking US Ambassador Patrick Duddy to leave as a means of showing
solidarity with Bolivian President Evo Morales, who recently announced
that he was expelling Washington's envoy to his country.
Chavez announced the decision during a televised speech hours after
saying his government had detained a group of alleged conspirators in a
plot to overthrow him.
Chavez accused the group of current and former military officers of
trying to assassinate him and topple the government with support from
the United States. He didn't offer evidence.
US officials have repeatedly denied Chavez's accusations that
Washington has backed plots against him.
"Go to hell, s--- yankees, we are a dignified people, go to hell 100
times" Chavez shouted at a political rally to thousands of roaring
supporters.
"We will send an ambassador when there is a new government in the
United States, a government that respects the people of Latin America"
he said.
The coup allegations are believed to be linked to the campaign for
Venezuela's tough local elections in November and a possible
distraction from the Miami court hearings which directly involve
President Chavez, government owned oil corporation PDVSA and his
intelligence services.
In August 2007, a US-Venezuelan citizen was caught trying to introduce
800.000 US dollars cash into Argentina apparently to help finance the
presidential campaign of Mrs. Kirchner who was elected last October.
The money was seized by Argentine Customs and Guido Antonini later flew
to Florida, via Uruguay, where he was located and threatened by Chavez
emissaries, working as unregistered agents, not to disclose the origin
or purpose of the funds.
Antonini turned into federal protection and the four “agents” are now
facing charges in the Miami court
Source:Ocnus.net 2008
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