The Americas Report
Friday, Oct. 31, 2003

"Our losses in Eastern Europe will be offset by our victories in Latin America."

– Theme of the July 1993 Havana meeting of the Forum of São Paulo, founded in 1990 by Lula da Silva and Fidel Castro

As of January 2003, pro-Castro populists have been elected to the presidencies of Venezuela, Brazil, and Ecuador. These countries, with Cuba, have a combined population of 223 million people.

The FARC and ELN, communist narco-guerillas supported by Castro since 1962, now control more than half of Colombia and seek to replace that democratic government. In Bolivia, a pro-Castro leader of the cocaine growers placed second in the June 30, 2002 presidential election and has been seeking to destabilize that government.

This review will provide factual information about the international actions of the Cuban regime, and the other pro-Castro leaders as the events occur. It will also provide information about pro-democratic leaders and groups who are seeking to preserve genuine political democracy in their countries.

Cuba

Continuing reports of the Cuban assistance programs in Venezuela indicate that it is a front for a comprehensive system of communist infiltration designed to maintain the Chavez régime.

Venezuela

A former Venezuelan military officer and confidant of Chavez in an interview explains how the Bolivarian Circles from which President Chavez draws his support is also a front organization for Colombian communist guerilla groups.

Pro-democratic groups have delivered the signed petition necessary to trigger a recall vote on President Chavez. Chavez at a rally of his supporters says that he “will not bow to opponents’ efforts to oust him through the ballot box”.

Brazil

President Lula da Silva together with President Chavez of Venezuela issued a joint statement calling trade relations between the developed world and developing world as ‘inhumane’.

President da Silva agreed to provide President Chavez a one billion dollar credit line after expressing uncertainty whether Brazil will renew its agreement with the IMF.

Together with other developing nations and China Brazil worked behind the scenes prior to the WTO meetings in Cancun to draft proposals on the agricultural trade. This is part of what President da Silva sees as the development of a “Strategic Partnership with China”.

Ecuador

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao held a meeting with Ecuadorian President Gutierrez and signed a series of agreements on Chinese energy exploration within Ecuador.

Argentina

“Argentina's Economy Minister, Roberto Lavagna points out that the promotion of good relations with Venezuela and Cuba is based on the disillusion that many Argentineans felt after the failure of the neoliberal model, making them sympathize with Chavez and Castro.”

Colombia

FARC and ELN announced that they reject any peace talks, and their intention to unify their military/terrorist operations in their ongoing attacks against the democratic government of Colombia.

Panama

China has said that if Panama can correctly handle the Taiwan problem that they can proceed with the normalization of relations. Panama is one of 27 nations in the world to give official diplomatic recognition to Taiwan.

Regional

US Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and Chairmen of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Richard Myers visited the region both said they see significant terrorist threats in Latin America.

“General Myers compared Venezuela to Iraq's neighbors that allow ‘weapons or fighters’ to cross the border, complicating U.S.-led efforts to stabilize the Middle Eastern country. ‘The same applies for Colombia’ and its neighbors.”

Cuba

August 21: Fears of Cuban 'infiltration' in Venezuela (Mike Ceaser BBC News 8/21/2003)

“When Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez announced the launching of an urban gardens programme, he said it would produce jobs and reduce the country's dependence on imported food.”

“…Controversy has arisen because many of the advisers assisting with the gardening program are Cubans. And Mr. Chavez's opponents, who accuse him of desiring to convert Venezuela into a communist dictatorship similar to that led by his friend, Cuban leader Fidel Castro, suspect that the Cubans are here to do more than teach farming.”

“Chavez critics charge that the Cubans' true goal is to teach communism, spy or even provide paramilitary training to pro-Chavez guerrilla organizations.”

"[The Cubans in Venezuela] ‘are persons prepared to indoctrinate,’ said retired Vice Admiral Rafael Huici, founder of an organisation of retired military officers.”

“The gardening advisers are only one of several groups of Cubans here. There are also Cuban doctors living and working in Caracas's poorest neighborhoods, and other Cubans assisting with a nationwide adult literacy program. Altogether, more than 1,000 Cubans are said to be here working with government-organized programs.”

“Opposition parliamentarian Hector Larreal, president of the National Assembly's health subcommittee, says the Cuban doctors are not qualified to practice in Venezuela, and that they prescribe inappropriate medicines and spread communism.”

"The worst part about it is that they come with an ideological message to orient the communities towards a failed political system," he said.”

“…After nearly five years under his "Bolivarian revolution for the poor", Venezuela has remained firmly capitalistic. But the president has not hidden his admiration for communist Cuba, whose leader is Mr. Chavez's closest international ally.”

“Mr. Chavez once famously described Cuba, an impoverished nation where free speech is sharply restricted and independent media banned, as "the sea of happiness".

“And the Venezuelan president did not join many other world leaders in criticizing the recent jailings of dozens of Cuban democracy activists.”

August 27: Brazil, Cuba Sign Accord To Promote Entrepreneurial Culture on Island (Sao Paulo Agencia Estado 8/27/2003)

(FBIS Translated Text) “The governments of Brazil and Cuba have signed an agreement last Wednesday . A Cooperation Agreement aimed at introducing actions to promote entrepreneurial activities in Cuba.”

“…According to Sebrae (Support Service to Small and Middle-sized Enterprises) President, Silvano Gianni, sharing experiences would be important to the Cuban economy "particularly in spreading the entrepreneurial culture, which is not an exclusive culture of the capitalist system and may be very well present in any sort of political society."

August 29: Chinese Party Chief Meets with Cuba Media Head (Xinhua PeopleDaily 8/28/2003)

“Li Changchun, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, met in Beijing Thursday with Ernesto Lopez Dominguez, president of institution of Cuba radio and television.”

”Li gave a positive appraisal of the cooperation between China and Cuba on radio, television and other media.”

Venezuela

August 5: Russia, Venezuela To Sign Energy Agreement 'in the Nearest Future' (Interfax 8/5/2003) (FBIS Transcribed Text) “Russia and Venezuela intend to sign a bilateral agreement on energy in the nearest future. Russian Energy Minister Igor Yusufov made this statement during a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart Rafael Ramirez on Monday, the press service for the Russian Energy Ministry told Interfax.”

“…Ramirez suggested that Russian companies resume projects to supply Russian oil to European oil refineries in exchange for the supply of Venezuelan oil to other countries. Yusufov suggested organizing a business seminar for Russian and Venezuelan companies for the purpose of developing dialogue. The ministers also discussed issues concerning maintaining stability on the world oil market.”

August 10: Former Soldier Reveals Venezuelan Ties to Colombian Guerrillas (El Espectador 8/10/2003)

Interview with former Venezuelan Lieutenant Moises Roberto Boyer Riobueno by an unidentified correspondent.

(FBIS Translated Text) “Venezuelan Infantry Lieutenant Moises Roberto Boyer Riobueno was at one time one of the officers closest to President Hugo Chavez. He was at the president's side during the 1992 military revolt in Venezuela.”

“Later, during the election campaign, Boyer became the presidential candidate's personal pilot and Chavez' faithful companion as he toured all over Venezuela in search of the votes that finally made him president. Boyer's fate took another turn when Chavez took office: he departed for Trujillo State to carry out the task of promoting the Bolivarian Circles, the key pillar of the Venezuelan president's electorate.”

“… That's when I realized that the famous Bolivarian Circles are a farce; they serve as a front for Colombian subversive groups, which are coming deeper and deeper into Venezuelan territory. As a military officer that displeased me, I could not accept it,’ says Boyer during an interview with El Espectador.”

“…Boyer has become the center of attention of Colombian and US intelligence agencies since his arrival in Colombia. ‘One month ago members of the CIA sought me out so that I would give them information,’ he said.”

“But what does this Venezuelan officer (retired) know that is so important to intelligence agencies? According to Boyer himself, one of his secrets has to do with the mission that Venezuelan Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel entrusted to him in April of last year.”

“According to his testimony, Boyer flew to Colombia as the pilot of a light airplane that landed on an illegal airstrip in San Vicente del Caguan. There, at night in the middle of the jungle, he picked up one of the members of the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) Secretariat.”

“[when asked] How do the Bolivarian Circles operate?”

“(Boyer) ‘It is a sham, a front, because it is a fighting force. They were created to bring together low-income people. They operate in small groups, by blocks. Their purpose was to submit programs for health, education, and social development to the pertinent agencies.’”

“(El Espectador) You say that the Bolivarian circles became a front for Colombian subversive groups. What evidence do you have that this is indeed the case?”

“(Boyer) ‘Everyone in Venezuela knows that. And this incursion by Colombian subversive groups began around 1997. Iris Velera, who was an MBR militant and is now one of the deputies supporting the president, as well as Deputy Luis Tascon, a deputy for Tachira State, were the ones who initiated contacts with the FARC through Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel.’”

“(El Espectador) That is a very serious accusation.”

“(Boyer) ‘Yes, I know. But I witnessed meetings on Venezuelan territory that were attended by guerrillas of the stature of Cano and Andres Paris.’”

“…(El Espectador) Was Chavez there?”

“(Boyer) ‘Yes, of course. On that occasion I was on duty as a bodyguard for Hugo Chavez. Later there were other meetings to take care of financial matters. Chavez met here with Horacio Serpa in that same year. Senator Navarro was also present. They used to talk a lot during those meetings about the consolidation of five countries.’”

“…(El Espectador) Where do the FARC train the Bolivarian Circles?”

“(Boyer) ‘In the states of Zulia and Miranda. Particularly at a ranch called San Francisco, in Manchiques. The governor has already made accusations to that effect.’”

August 20: Venezuela's Opposition Delivers Recall Petitions on Chavez (Bloomberg 8/20/2003)

“Venezuelans trying to oust President Hugo Chavez through a referendum presented enough signatures to election officials to meet a requirement aimed at a recall vote on his presidency.”

“A delegation of opposition leaders presented the almost 3 million signatures in the early morning to avoid possible confrontations with supporters of the president, Chacao Mayor Leopoldo Lopez told reporters. Twenty percent of the country's 12 million registered voters, or about 2.4 million signatures, were required to start a recall process.”

“The delivery of the signatures is the first step to removing Chavez from office through a binding referendum. Opposition leaders have been trying to force a vote on Chavez for the last year, and held a two-month strike that ended in February after failing to force the former paratrooper, who was ousted for two days in April 2002 during a coup, from office. More than 3,500 policemen were mobilized to protect tens of thousands of demonstrators, many of whom carried flags and banners calling for Chavez's immediate resignation. Many danced, sang or blew whistles.”

“The government yesterday said it couldn't guarantee the safety of marchers because no demonstration permits had been requested or granted. A march permit was subsequently issued by Caracas Mayor Alfredo Pena, a Chavez opponent.”

“…With the petition delivered, attention now turns to the Supreme Court, which must name the election agency's five-member board of directors. The National Assembly deadlocked for five months on the appointments before adjourning until Monday.”

“The court has until Sunday to appoint a board, and some members of Chavez's Fifth Republic Movement have said they won't recognize a court-appointed agency. ‘That could lead to a constitutional crisis,’ Buxton said.”

August 20: Peruvian Foreign Minister Terms Chavez Proposal To Eliminate IMF 'Nonsense' (NOTIMEX 8/20/2003)

(FBIS Translated Text) “Peruvian Foreign Minister Allan Wagner today described Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez' proposal to make the IMF disappear as ‘nonsense.’ ‘To propose the disappearance of the IMF is nonsense,’ Wagner said on analyzing the request by Chavez, who had insisted from Argentina that the international financial organisms ‘must be changed or they will have to be eliminated.’”

“…’We can criticize the IMF ... I myself have done so, but to make it disappear would be nonsense,’ the Peruvian foreign minister insisted.”

“Chavez, who visited Buenos Aires on 19 August, had suggested that the continent's countries ‘develop our own potential; create and implement local models that do not depend on what the IMF says, wants, or does not want.’”

“In a visit to Uruguay, Chavez said that the IMF had been ‘fatal’ for Latin American countries, and he said that the proposed Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) ‘is of no use.’”

“…At the beginning of this month, Chavez hinted at the possibility of his country leaving the IMF if the multilateral entity ‘does not change,’ and insists on promoting neo-liberal economic policies.”

August 24: Supporters hail Chavez at rally (Stephen Ixer, AP The Guardian 8/24/2003)

“Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez celebrated the midway point of his six-year term by telling a massive crowd of supporters that he would not bow to opponents' efforts to oust him through the ballot box.”

"’Victory is ours, whatever the cost!’ Chavez told the cheering crowd. ‘We are prepared for any sacrifice to fulfill our promise to Venezuela. Long live the revolution!’”

“They accompanied the president in singing ‘Happy Birthday, Bolivarian Government.’”

August 24: Defiant, Venezuela's Chavez Dismisses Vote Campaign (Patrick Markey Reuters 8/24/2003)

“A defiant Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez rallied hundreds of thousands of his supporters on Saturday in a show of strength to challenge an opposition campaign to oust him with a referendum.”

“… More than a year of bitter political conflict has sharply divided Venezuela over Chavez's populist rule and left the economy of the world's No. 5 oil exporter in tatters. After failing to topple Chavez with a recent two-month oil strike, Venezuela's opposition alliance on Wednesday handed in more than 3 million signatures demanding a vote on the president's ouster. The government has challenged their validity.”

“But the possible vote faces a host of legal hurdles and the opposition fears Chavez will block it. Venezuela's Supreme Court is set to name a new National Electoral Council next week which will decide whether the opposition signatures are valid.”

August 26: Brazilian President Urges Respect for Rule of Law in Venezuela (Michael Bowman China Daily 8/26/2003)

“Brazil's president has urged respect for the rule of law during a visit to Venezuela, where opposition political parties have been pressing for a national referendum on the continued rule of President Hugo Chavez.”

“The itinerary for Tuesday's visit to Caracas by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva highlighted a meeting with his Venezuelan counterpart, Hugo Chavez, as well as the signing of bilateral accords on petroleum ventures and other matters.”

I”n the end, the Brazilian leader sidestepped the thorny referendum issue by making a generalized statement in favor of constitutional rule in South America.”

“’It seems to me that the cycle of coups has ended in South America,’ he said during a joint news conference in Caracas. ‘Today, we embrace dialogue, respect for pluralism, and the constitutions and laws of our countries.’”

August 26: Chavez hosts Lula, rejects Venezuela poll pressure (Pascal Fletcher Reuters 8/26/2003)

“Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, dismissing growing international pressure for a referendum on his rule, said Tuesday a vote was a possibility but not an obligation.”

”The two presidents… signed an accord opening up a $1 billion Brazilian credit line for infrastructure projects in Venezuela.”

”Lula diplomatically avoided directly advising Chavez to hold a referendum. But he noted that Venezuela's constitution gave the opposition the right to try to call a vote and said he was confident democracy would prevail in the world's No. 5 oil exporter.”

”Chavez repeated an allegation that more than 3 million pro-referendum signatures collected six months ago and presented last week in a huge opposition march were not valid.”

”…Chavez also dismissed calls for the referendum from ‘spokesmen’ in foreign countries. This included recent statements by Secretary of State Colin Powell and other U.S. officials.”

”…’They've been saying out there that Chavez is now obliged to go to a referendum, and that if he doesn't, then he isn't a democrat. That's totally false,’ Chavez said.”

”He said a referendum was ‘possible’, as long as the opposition scrupulously completed all the required steps.”

”’They insist they've collected the signatures, but no, those signatures can't be valid,’ he said, adding they would have to be collected again.”

”He said Brazil, backed by China, India and South Africa, would press at world trade talks in Cancun next month for rich countries to cut subsidies on their farm products.”

August 27: Venezuela’s New National Election Council Sworn In (Xinhuanet 8/27/2003)

“Members of Venezuela's new election authority, the National Election Council, were sworn in by the Supreme Court Wednesday.

“Venezuela's Supreme Court named the council late Monday after the National Assembly failed to do so.”

“The new council, which could organize a possible referendum on President Hugo Chavez's presidency, was approved by Chavez on Tuesday.”

“The council must issue a ruling within 30 days on the validity of the 3.2 million voter signatures, delivered by opposition leaders last week.”

“The signatures, collected to press the demand for a referendum to oust Chavez, were considered as invalid by the Venezuelan government.”

August 27: Venezuela Says Referendum May Occur This Year (Bloomberg 8/27/2003)

“Venezuela's newly named election agency said a referendum on President Hugo Chavez may be held this year, brushing aside government statements that a vote can't take place before 2004, El Nacional reported.”

“The timing will depend on whether legal requirements surrounding the referendum on Chavez are met, the newspaper cited National Electoral Council President Francisco Carrasquero as saying. The agency's first major decision is to decide whether signatures gathered earlier this year to force a vote on Chavez are valid. Government officials have said they are invalid because they were collected before Chavez passed the halfway mark of his six-year term of office.”

“Venezuela's supreme court appointed the agency on Monday, breaking a six-month deadlock. Venezuela's opposition presented petitions last week, calling for a vote on Chavez who took office in 1999. Polls show that Chavez would lose a referendum by 30 percentage points.”

Brazil

August 15: Brazil's Lula and the United States of South America (Radio Brasil 8/15/2003)

“Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva classified as "inhuman" the trade relations among rich and poor countries, in a joint statement issued with the President of Venezuela, Hugo Chavez. Lula said that the rich countries want to get richer and that the tendency for poor countries is to become increasingly poorer.”

“…The Presidents of Brazil and Venezuela signed agreements and protocols of intention that will allow mutual investments between the two countries, in order to increase physical integration between the territories of both countries.”

“Lula told an audience of Peruvian workers' and civil society organizations that integration in South America will make it possible to change the course of history. Still, the Brazilian leader made a point of saying that this idea shouldn't remain simply a matter of polite conversation.”

“Lula also referred to another type of integration, based on objectives. ‘We discovered that, if we assemble a political front, we can extract much greater advantages from our rich partners. The expression we use that ‘There is power in unity’ is not limited to social and union campaigns; it also applies to governments’”

“As for Peru, Lula said that, ‘The closer our relations, politically, in the commercial sector, in the labor sector, the greater our chances are to do business with each other and break down trade barriers.’”

August 20: Brazil Unsure Whether to Renew IMF Deal (Adalid Cabrera Lemuz, Associated Press/Miami Herald 8/20/2003)

“Brasilia, Brazil - Brazil has not yet decided whether it will seek to renew its financial aid agreement with the International Monetary Fund, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said Friday.”

“At a meeting with members of the foreign press, Silva said if the country did choose to negotiate a new credit line, it would not do so ‘with its back against the wall.’ Brazil's current $30 billion aid agreement with the IMF expires later this year.”

August 25: Brazil and Peru sign trade pact (Reuters 8/25/2003) “The centerpiece of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's visit to Lima will be the signing of a free-trade deal between Peru and the $US890 billion Mercosur bloc formed by Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay.”

“’We need to integrate, by road and river, to invest more and to invest better,’ Toledo told a business forum. ‘We cannot realize our dream of reducing poverty without integration.’”

“…The deals will also allow Brazil a trade route across the Amazon to Pacific ports in Peru -- a potential export gateway to the Asia-Pacific region that would also slash the cost of importing raw materials. Other international trade routes across Bolivia, Chile and Paraguay are also planned.”

August 26: Brazil to Intensify 'Behind-the-Scenes Diplomacy' Ahead of WTO Meeting in Cancun (Jamil Chade. O Estado de Sao Paulo 8/26/2003)

(FBIS Translated Text) “Geneva -- The Brazilian Government will intensify its behind-the-scenes diplomacy to protect its interests at the final stage of the WTO ministerial negotiations in Cancun in September.”

“…To Marcos Jank, president of the Brazilian Institute for International Trade Negotiations (Icone), only a strong alliance among developing countries will reverse the situation and ensure that the negotiations will be equally positive for Brazil.”

“Last week, Brazil made an unprecedented achievement by bringing China, India, South Africa, and 15 other developing giants together to draft an ambitious proposal for the agricultural sector.”

August 26: China Politburo Member Liu Yunshan Meets Brazilian Communist Party Guests (Xinhua 8/26/2003) (FBIS Transcribed Text) “Liu Yunshan, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, met here Tuesday with a delegation of the Communist Party of Brazil led by its Deputy Chairman Jose Reinaldo Carvalho.”

August 26: U.S., Brazil officials to huddle Wednesday (Reuters 8/26/2003) ”Washington- United States and Brazilian economic officials will meet here Wednesday for the first session of bilateral talks dubbed the "U.S.-Brazil Group for Growth," the Treasury Department said on Tuesday.

“‘Brazil and U.S. delegations will hold discussions on the determinants of growth and measures to boost small- and medium-sized enterprises, including access to credit and capital markets,’ Treasury said in a release announcing the meeting.”

August 29: Brazil slips into recession, putting pressure on Silva to create jobs (Alan Clendenning Associated Press 8/29/2003)

“Sao Paulo -- Brazil slipped into a recession during the second quarter, increasing pressure on new President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva to fulfill his campaign promise to create 10 million jobs in South America's largest country.”

“Brazil's gross domestic product fell 1.6 percent during the quarter ending in June, surpassing analysts' estimates and a first-quarter contraction of 0.6 percent, the government said yesterday.”

August 23: Brazil Calls for Strategic Partnership with China (Xinhua 8/23/2003)

“Brazilian President Luiz Inacio ‘Lula’ da Silva said on Friday that his country wants to develop a strategic partnership with China in trade and in other aspects of bilateral exchanges.”

”’China is a strategic partner of Brazil, not only in terms of the purchase and sales of products, but also in regard to science and technology, and many more areas,’ Lula said in an interview at the presidential palace of Planalto.” ”…’Only through the union of emerging nations will we have sufficient might to obtain more favorable agreements,’ Lula said.”

Ecuador

August 27: Premier Wen Jiabao Meets Ecuadorian President (Press Release. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, People's Republic of China 8/27/2003)

“On August 27, 2003, Premier Wen Jiabao met with President Lucio Gutierrez Borbua of the Republic of Ecuador at Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai.”

”…The smooth development of China-Ecuador relations has brought concrete benefits to the two countries and peoples. Wen said that both China and Ecuador are developing countries. They need to further reinforce their cooperation in international affairs as well as in developing their domestic economies. The Chinese side attaches great importance to Sino-Ecuadorian relations and is willing to step up friendly cooperation in various fields in accordance with the principles of equality and mutual benefit.”

August 28: China Offers Gutierrez Loans for Development Projects (Guayaquil El Universo 8/28/2003) (FBIS Translated Text) “The Presidency's Communication Secretariat announced yesterday that last Tuesday (26 August), Hu Jintao, president of the People's Republic of China, offered Ecuadoran President Colonel Lucio Gutierrez two loans for $2.5 and $1 million for several development projects.”

“Yesterday in Beijing, Gutierrez signed several agreements to increase Chinese investments.” “…The president said that Ecuador was accepting bids for "the exploitation of several petroleum fields, as well as the modernization of refineries and the construction of a new one." He invited Chinese businessmen to invest in the transportation of oil by-products and in the construction of gas pipelines…”

Argentina

August 27: Italy criticizes Argentinean sympathy towards Chavez Frias (Patrick J O’Donoghue Vheadline.com 8/27/2003)

“The Argentinean Foreign Ministry has rejected what it considers interference from Italy regarding its foreign policy. Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Mario Baccini is reputed to have said that he does not understand Argentinean President Nestor Kirchner's rapprochement with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias and Cuba's Fidel Castro.” “Argentinean Foreign Office spokesman, Rafael Bielsa counters saying some countries cannot get used to the idea that Argentina can manage its own affairs without asking anyone for permission.”

“Argentine's Economy Minister, Roberto Lavagna points out that the promotion of good relations with Venezuelan and Cuba is based on the disillusion that many Argentineans felt after the failure of the neoliberal model, making them sympathize with Chavez Frias and Castro.”

Colombia

August 1: France and UK to Increase Involvement in Colombia's Conflict (Hernan Etchaleco Pravda 8/01/2003)

“As Chirac's government sends warplanes to rescue French citizens from the Amazonia, Tony Blair pours secret aid to fight rebels, according to the British media”

“According to official sources in Colombia and Brazil, France recently ordered a secret Amazon mission to rescue the dual French-Colombian citizen and former presidential candidate, Ingrid Betancourt, held hostage by rebel forces. At the same time, the English daily The Guardian reported that the British Government is delivering equipment and advice to Colombia to fight insurgency.”

August 1: [IRA] Defense sum up in Colombia (BBC News 8/01/2003)

“Defense lawyers for three Irishmen standing trial in Colombia accused of training Marxist guerrillas have been summing up their case.”

“Martin McAuley, James Monaghan and Niall Connolly, who addressed the non-jury court in Bogotá on Wednesday, are accused of training FARC guerillas in the use of explosives and using false documentation.”

“…The men were arrested in August 2001 as they stepped off a plane from an area which was a stronghold of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).”

“Summing up the case on Monday, prosecutor Carlos Sanchez said that since 1998 there had been a massive increase in terrorist attacks in Colombia and this coincided with IRA members visiting the country.”

August 25 Colombia [communist guerillas] “unite militarily” and reject peace talks (BBC News 8/25/2003)

“The [FARC and ELN] in Colombia have issued a rare joint statement ruling out peace negotiations with President Alvaro Uribe.”

“Rebel sources told the Reuters news agency that the leaders of FARC and the ELN ‘had agreed to unite militarily against Uribe's government. From now on they will carry out joint military operations.’”

“…The statement signed by the leadership of both groups and posted on the internet said: ‘So long as the illegitimate government of Alvaro Uribe Velez persists in its fascist and militaristic policies, we will not move forward on any process of political rapprochement or national dialogue.’”

August 26: Commander of Colombian Air Force Resigns (Javier Baena, Associated Press The Guardian 8/26/2003)

“The commander of the Colombian Air Force announced his retirement Tuesday, saying he leaves with ‘a clean conscience’ despite U.S. complaints that he stalled probes into an alleged air force attack that killed 17 civilians.”

“U.S. diplomats in Bogota have privately complained that Colombia was stalling in its investigation of the bombing of the eastern village of Santo Domingo in December, 1998. Seventeen civilians were killed.”

August 27: Colombia's leftist rebels unite (Rachel Van Dongen The Christian Science Monitor 8/27/2003)

“The country's two main groups announced a military alliance against the government on Monday.”

“The 17,000-member Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the 5,000-member National Liberation Army (ELN) publicly declared on Monday that they had joined forces in their war against the government. Until the declaration, the ELN was thought to be amenable to a possible peace deal.”

August 28 U.S. Vows Colombia Search to Continue (Andrew Selsky Associated Press 8/28/2003)

“The United States ‘will never give up’ trying to bring home three American contractors held captive by Colombian rebels for six months, a top U.S. counterterrorism official said Wednesday.”

“But Ambassador-at-Large J. Cofer Black, the U.S. State Department's counterterrorism coordinator, said Colombian troops - and not Americans - will conduct any rescue operation on the ground.”

“The 28-year CIA veteran, sworn in as counterterrorism chief in December, met with Colombian President Alvaro Uribe and top civilian and military officials to track the effectiveness of U.S. assistance in helping the country battle terrorism.”

“…Also Wednesday, authorities said rebel gunfire forced a U.S. drug-spraying plane piloted by an American contractor to crash-land in northern Colombia, slightly injuring the pilot.”

August 29: Video shows U.S. captives still alive in Colombia (Associated press 08/29/2003)

“A videotape now under study by the FBI shows three Americans captured by Colombian rebels-the first "proof of life" of the three since their plane crash-landed in rebel territory six months ago, officials said Thursday.”

“The three American contract workers were seized by … FARC, after the Feb. 13 landing in southern Colombia.” “The three captives - Marc Gonsalves, Keith Stansell and Thomas Howes - worked for Pentagon contractor California Microwave Systems and reportedly were on an intelligence mission when they fell into the rebels' hands.”

“A fourth American, Thomas Janis, and a Colombian army sergeant aboard the single-engine Cessna were executed by the rebels.”

August 29: Colombians wonder if rebels are losing or hiding (Jason Webb Reuters 8/29/2003)

“After months of relative silence, the propaganda machine run by the rebels known as FARC had come back to life, just as a debate heats up about whether they have taken a battering or made a tactical retreat to rural hide-outs.”

“’I think they are retaking the political initiative,’ said Alfredo Rangel, a defense analyst. Rangel recently engaged in a public argument with the head of the armed forces, who believes the guerrillas are on the run.”

“Media interviews with the FARC's international spokesman, and requests to meet United Nations and Roman Catholic Church officials demonstrate the rebels' will to take the propaganda battle to the government, according to Rangel.”

“Colombians have become more optimistic the unpopular rebels can be beaten since President Alvaro Uribe took office last August, boosting defense spending by a third and urging the army to fight harder. Government figures show guerrilla casualties and desertions on the rise, while attacks and kidnappings have fallen.”

“The military, morale surging, says improved satellite surveillance, more helicopters and more professional troops mean the days when massive FARC columns could overrun army bases like they did in the late 1990s will never return.”

“’There are multiple indications they're on the retreat. They've lost the capacity to attack the army they had from 1993-97. They're on the defensive and have lost territory,’ said retired army chief Gen. Alvaro Valencia.”

The former soldier said greater military control of towns had cut FARC supply lines and communications, and the U.S.-backed Plan Colombia, which has sprayed large tracts of drug crops, was depleting their finances.”

Guatemala

July 25: Violence Cripples Guatemalan Capital (Associated Press)

“Protesters demanding that Guatemala's former dictator be allowed to run for president touched off a wave of violence that paralyzed the capital and shut down the U.S. Embassy.”

“Police refused to respond as club-wielding rioters smashed windows, burned parked cars and blocked traffic Thursday, apparently believing that would only provoke more violence.”

“More than 5,000 protesters flooded distinct points of the city of more than 1.5 million, surrounding the U.S. Embassy, the judicial plaza and a luxurious office building in the heart of a key financial district.”

July 30: Constitutional Court Rules in Favor of Rios Montt's Presidential Bid (ACAN-EFE)

“An official source has confirmed that Guatemala's Constitutionality Court (CC) on 30 July ruled in favor of coupist General Jose Efrain Rios Montt and ordered his registration as a presidential candidate for the ruling Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG).”

“This order, Flores underscored, ‘violates the constitutional principle of access to justice. I am deeply hurt by this decision because it is an open violation of the constitution by individuals whose duty it is to ensure that the constitution is respected,’ Flores added.”

July 30: Legislative Opposition Creates Front To 'Oversee' Ruling Party (Agence France Presse) “Deputies of seven Guatemalan opposition parties have created a front to ‘oversee’ the ruling Guatemalan Republican Front (FRG, rightist), the majority bloc in Congress, because they fear a possible fraud in the general elections to be held in November, parliamentary sources reported on Wednesday.”

“‘After FRG's abuses last week, which caused chaos in the capital and the death of a reporter, we are in the process of creating a front,’ Nineth Montenegro of the New Nation Alliance (ANN, center-leftist), told AFP.”

“The alliance, called Opposition's Parliamentary Bloc (IPO) (Instancia Parliamentaria de Oposicion), is comprised of 53 deputies of seven political parties, ranging from right-wingers to four members of the former Guatemalan National Revolutionary Unity (URNG, leftist) guerrilla group, against 60 FRG deputies.”

Panama

August 23: [Taiwan] Ties with Panama are solid, foreign ministry declares (Sandy Huang Taipei Times 8/23/2003) “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) says that the presence of Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso in Taipei this week for the signing of the Taiwan-Panama free trade agreement proves that relations between the two countries are good.”

“…Shih had been asked whether an upcoming visit to (mainland) China by Panamanian Vice President Arturo Vallarino signaled a possible change in relations.”

“Beijing said yesterday that it was doing its utmost to normalize relations with Panama -- one of only 27 countries in the world which recognize Taiwan -- and that the Central American nation's vice president would visit China this month.”

“’We believe if Panama can correctly handle the Taiwan problem, the normalization of ties between China and Panama can be realized,’ the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.”

“Panama would have to break its formal ties with Taiwan before China would agree to diplomatic relations.”

“The Chinese foreign ministry said that Panamanian Vice President Arturo Vallarino would visit China from Aug. 30 to Sept. 7 at the invitation of a government-funded think-tank.”

“…In related news, Shih yesterday denied that MOFA had made political donations to Costa Rica.”

Paraguay

August 14: Paraguayan President-elect Promises to 'Cleanse' Police, Armed Forces (Asuncion ABC Color 8/14/2003) “…Paraguayan brand-new President Nicanor Duarte Frutos reveals that the incoming administration is aware that certain National Police and even Armed Forces personnel are aiding and abetting criminals, and even joining criminal gangs. Duarte Frutos also promises a purge to cleanse the Armed Forces and the Police.”

“He claims that he wants to restore the people's confidence in their leaders. "I want a serious country," he emphasizes with clenched fists. In contrast, he discloses his administration's "passion" for public works that will employ thousands of people. Several of these projects will be implemented almost immediately.”

“…(Ruiz) Is renegotiating the foreign debt one of these options?”

“(Duarte) The option is to reschedule payments, although not with multilateral organizations that are usually less then amenable to this type of proposals. We are talking about loans received from the Republic of China, for example. My economic team is already working on this.”

Peru

August 18: Peru's Toledo May Propose a Tax on Bank Transactions (Bloomberg 8/18/2003)

“Peruvian President Alejandro Toledo may propose a tax on bank transactions to raise enough revenue to rescind a sales tax increase he signed last month to pay for raises for public workers.”

August 27: Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan Meets Peruvian Military Leaders (Xinhua 8/27/2003) (FBIS Transcribed Text) “Chinese Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan met here Wednesday with General Victor Bustamante, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff of Peru, and his party.”

“Cao, also a state councilor and vice-chairman of China's Central Military Commission (CMC), said bilateral relations between China and Peru have enjoyed smooth development since the two sides established diplomatic ties 32 years ago.”

“Cao hoped that the two sides can join hands to further the development of relations between two countries and armed forces.”

“Bustamante said Peru values its relations with China, and is ready to promote the friendly military relations between the two countries.”

Region

August 20: Colombia sends message to rebels via Venezuela (Ibon Villelabeitia, Reuters 8/20/2003) “Colombia's President Alvaro Uribe said on Wednesday he had asked Venezuelan leader Hugo Chavez to pass a message to leftist guerrillas that he is willing to start peace talks.”

“Uribe's comments are the first time the Colombian president has publicly suggested a link between the left-leaning Chavez and the Marxist-inspired Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, known by its Spanish initials FARC.”

“Relations between Bogotá and Caracas have been strained periodically over accusations by the Colombian military that Chavez is letting FARC rebels use Venezuela as a staging ground for attacks.”

“In February, Colombia's interior minister accused Chavez of meeting "frequently" with FARC rebels, but was publicly reprimanded by Uribe after Venezuela threatened to break off diplomatic relations.”

“Chavez, who has criticized Colombia's U.S.-backed ‘Plan Colombia’ offensive against drug-traffickers and guerrillas, denies he is collaborating with the guerrillas, who are described as ‘terrorists’ by Washington.”

“’Last week I told Chavez: ‘President, stop worrying so much about Colombia's security policies. Tell the FARC that if they are bored with our policies, they can negotiate with me in five minutes,’ Uribe told a university audience in Bogotá.”

“Colombian media have alleged that Manuel ‘Sureshot’ Marulanda, the top FARC commander, has been hiding in neighboring Venezuela since the Colombian government broke off peace talks with the rebel group in February 2002.”

August 23: U.S. Defense Sec Rumsfeld: There is a significant terrorist threat in Latin America (Elio Ohep Petroleumworld 8/23/2003) ”Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld said Wednesday, US can't ignore terror threat in Latin America, there also is a significant terrorist threat in Central and South America, reported AP.”

“Terrorists in this region are mixed with drug traffickers and other criminals, he said, making them difficult to distinguish.”

“’In this region we know there are terrorists, there are hostage-takers, there are drug traffickers,’ he said. ‘Sometimes it's the same people doing all three things. And it poses a very serious threat.’ Rumsfeld told about 100 U.S. troops in a remote air base in a Honduras, according to AP.”

“In Bogota, after a visit by Richard Myers, chairman of the Pentagon joint chiefs, last week. Rumsfeld announced that President George W. Bush had approved plans to resume US-Colombian drug - guerrilla surveillance flights over Colombian territory.”

“While they clearly meant to display a high degree of support for Colombia's fight against insurgent Marxists, they also took the opportunity to send a signal to Hugo Chavez, president of neighboring Venezuela, that the U.S. is taking note of where nations stand in the war on terrorism, Dow Jones Journalist Charles Roth reported.”

“’Myers compared Venezuela to Iraq's neighbors that allow ‘weapons or fighters’ to cross the border, complicating U.S.-led efforts to stabilize the Middle Eastern country. ‘The same applies for Colombia’ and its neighbors", he was quoted by Roth as saying.”

“’It's not helpful when countries don't fully support the antiterrorism fight,’ Myers added. ‘And I think there's more to learn with respect to Venezuela, and we're going to have to continue to explore that,’ Roth further quoted as saying.”

“Colombian military commanders have also charged that Venezuela allows the guerillas, which both Bogota and Washington consider terrorist organizations, to take refuge in and source provisions through Venezuela, according to Roth.”

“Chavez has been dogged by allegations from Colombian military commanders, former Venezuelan military, politicians from Colombia and Venezuela, of helping the guerrillas to take refuge in and source provisions through Venezuela and permitting encampments of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-FARC, the National Liberation Army ELN, and the Forces of the Bolivarian Revolution-FBL on Venezuelan territory.”

“The Venezuelan president, the values of whose "social revolution" the FARC and ELN say they share, denies the allegations of support for the two groups, and has said his government takes a neutral position on Colombia's conflict, reported Roth.”

“…Uribe is still pressing neighboring countries to cut off guerrillas from its escape routes along Colombia's borders.”

“…While Uribe is pressing and Chavez ignoring and defending against the allegations of helping the Colombian guerrillas, Washington appears to be focusing in Venezuela. Last January, Gen. James Hill, commander of the U.S. Southern Command, told a conference in New York that narco-terrorists and radical Islamic groups use Margarita Island to launder money, reported Dow Jones.”

“…North Carolina Republican Representative Cass Ballenger, told Dow Jones he thinks the Venezuelan president is "playing a game" in which elements of his security apparatus "may be involved" with the guerillas while he himself stays above the fray, Dow Jones quoted.”

“…Ballenger also noted the Venezuelan leader's close friendship with Cuba's Fidel Castro, and its Cuban-Venezuelan friends program that has 2,000 Cuban doctors, teachers and sports trainers currently work in Venezuela, it clearly a sign Venezuelan has opposition leaders contend the Cuban presence is part of a Chavez-led campaign to introduce communism in their country, Dow Jones reported.”

August 27: Lula and Chavez Call for United South American Market (Elio Ohep. Petroleumworld News, 8/27/2003)

“Brazil's Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Venezuela's Hugo Chavez s called for a united South American trade market, setting a Dec. 31 deadline for a regional market association between Mercosur and the Andean Community.”

“The South America's two largest trading blocs, should be created this year before talks continue with the U.S. on an America´s hemispheric free trade market, the U.S. proposal of America´s free trade zone calls to create America´s largest trading zone by 2005.”

“Silva and Chavez agree that the Free Trade market of the Americas will not help Latin American poverty by forcing local industry to compete against developed nations.”

“’We're not saying that we don't want to negotiate with the United States, it is very important for Brazil. But we must integrate first to negotiate with the U.S.,’ Silva said.”

“South America can create ‘a power bloc’ to confront the FTAA, Chavez said. ‘Only united can we break the chains that oppress us,’ Chavez added.”

The monthly Americas Report is compiled by the Americas Project at the Hudson Institute.

Read more on this subject in related Hot Topics:
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