A histrionic performance by the Venezuelan Vice President
Or did I mean hysteric?
Monday 10, May 2004

Well, the day continued as expected. A few houses were searched but with no results. Except for some house where a whole bunch of bulletproof vests was found. Again, it is important to restate that for as ridiculous as yesterday show was, this does not exclude the existence of some conspiracy. We could even go as far as saying that the government might have made a show yesterday to find an excuse and cover up while it was doing some serious national security work. Unfortunately at this late hour there is no hard evidence that the government acted for the National interest, but rather for Chavez interest. As I write I am counting 5 searches and I am sure more are to come.

Still, there is a grizzly event: one body was found with its throat sliced. Attributed to an account setting among the arrested suspect. And to deepen the mystery, a bag full of dry uniforms was found with it although it had been raining for a while. And the clothes were fresh, not sweated in. For people that had spent perhaps 40 days there?

We'll see.

The big "clue" of the day was the incredible presentation of Jose Vicente Rangel, the Vice President, that after a few minutes of a press conference could not hold it anymore and lashed right and left.

A few pearls:

First the vice president was worried about the opposition underestimating the news. Well, the opposition, like this blogger, has eyes that see the evidence. The opposition is also well aware that the government is doing its best to grab the agenda.

He said, justifiably, that the presence of 130 paramilitary in any country would be major news, a national matter. Well, it is very simple Mr. Vice president: let independent media interviews the guys and I am sure that we will all be convinced.

He said that the opposition immediately should have condemned the fact. Well, it certainly did not support it. But the Chavez administration is harvesting the seed they planted: its leniency for FARC incursions at our borders is common knowledge. Nothing really surprises us much.

He demanded that the Carter Center, the OAS, the church, the opposition, etc, etc condemn right now and in the strongest term the Venezuelan invasion. This for the vice president of a government that in 5 years has not only never condemned the FARC as terrorists (not that they should necessarily do so) but has even declared its neutrality in the Colombian conflict as soon as it made it to office (which was in a way a recognition of the FARC!). Double standards anyone? Meanwhile the OAS emitted a lukewarm reaction.

Of course, he then moved on the US. This one supposedly spends its breathing time condemning Chavez for its lackluster anti terrorist actions. So the Vice demanded that the US emits right there a supportive communiqué, publicly putting the US ambassador to task. As if 5 years of inactivity could be erased by arresting 50 guys that no foreign authority is allowed to interview to certify that they are at least wanted petty thieves. Someone should tell the Vice that diplomatic notes take at least 24 hours to be elaborated.

What was more interesting was what he did not say: the names of the people arrested. Even though Colombia has offered already all possible help to identify and bring the arrested guys to justice…


At least now we are stating to discern some of the motives of the operation. Chavismo certainly knew that the local opinion would not buy the story the way it was presented. The administration cannot be that dumb. Even Tal Cual editorial today pointed out the clear manipulation, without taking position, giving the government a few more hours to really strengthen its case, understanding how dangerous for the country it is for an administration to botch such an affair.

No, this probably was all planned for foreign consumption. For people that may not have such a clear picture of what is going on here, or would not necessarily trust the opposition in such a situation. The idea can be quite simple: pretend that the internal situation is too unstable for an election. Voila! No more Recall Election! Elementary Mr. Watson!

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PS: we could certainly compare the dismal theatrical abilities of the Vice President with the fascinating and inspiring speech from Mr. Arias, the ex Costa Rican president winner of the Nobel Prize in 1988. He is in Venezuela as a guest for a promotional event. His speech was a model of intellectual and clear vision of and for Latin America. Including criticism of the globalization process and false prophets of all stripes. He was followed in the event by President Gorbachov, also a Nobel Prize winner. Unfortunately he was not so lucky as Mr. Arias, a silly cadena on mundane matters, NOT EVEN on the present situation, interrupted the speech.