Sep
17
2010
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Chavez insists Venezuela won’t accept US diplomat

This article was originally posted by The Associated Press

President Hugo Chavez insisted on Friday that he won’t accept the U.S. government’s nominee for ambassador and condemned President Barack Obama’s designation of Venezuela as a country failing in counter-drug efforts.

Chavez dismissed the White House’s criticism of Venezuela on drugs, calling it a “new attack by the Yankee empire.”

Obama, in a memorandum released Thursday, named Venezuela along with Bolivia and Myanmar as “countries that have failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements.”

In response, Chavez lashed out at the Obama administration, calling it “an irresponsible government, a murderous government, a coup-mongering government.” Chavez has long said the U.S. uses the drug issue against him for political reasons, saying Venezuela is making significant efforts to stem the flow of Colombian cocaine.

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Aug
9
2010
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Chavez rejects US ambassador-designate to Venezuela

This article was originally posted by AFP

President Hugo Chavez on Sunday rejected Larry Palmer as the US ambassador-designate to Venezuela, and urged US President Barack Obama to “look for another candidate.”

“How can you think I’d accept this gentleman coming here? You’d best withdraw him, Obama. Don’t insist, I’m asking you,” said Chavez in his weekly “Alo Presidente” radio and television show.

Palmer recently voiced concern about Cuba’s growing influence in the Venezuelan military, which, he said was “considerably low” in morale and professionalism.

In written answers to a US lawmaker’s questions — his nomination as ambassador must be confirmed by the Senate — Palmer also said there were “clear ties” between leftist Colombian guerrillas and Chavez’s government.

Venezuela’s foreign ministry on Thursday protested Palmer’s statements as “interference and interventionism” and asked the United States for an explanation before he was confirmed in his post.

Palmer “can’t come here as ambassador,” said Chavez. “He disqualified himself by breaking all the rules of diplomacy. He messed with all of us. He can’t come here.”

“The best thing the United States government can do is to look for another candidate,” for ambassador to Venezuela, he added.

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