english.eastday.com

Thousands of Venezuelan people marched in Caracas on Saturday in support of the oil workers fired by the government of President Hugo Chavez for taking part in the two- month general strike staged by Chavez's opposition forces.

The demonstrators gathered near the hotel where the government and the opposition held negotiations under the mediation of the Organization of American States (OAS) which proposed an electoral solution to the conflict.

The "Solidarity March", called by the opposition representative Democratic Coordination (CD), also included collecting signatures to demand the return of fired workers to the state-run oil company PDVSA.

The figures from the PDVSA showed that 7,000 employees have been sacked since the strike began on Dec. 2, and it was announced that 2,000 more could be dismissed.

On Friday, a representative of the Group of Friends of Venezuela suggested that the sacked PDVSA employees should be re- hired as a token of goodwill to put an end to the standoff between the government and the opponents.

President Chavez described the suggestion as impossible, noting that such a gesture had been offered to the opponents last April.

The strike was launched by opposition leaders to press Chavez to quit and call early elections. It made the Andean country suffer food and fuel shortages, and lose its position as the world 's fifth largest oil supplier. Xinhua news

sf.indymedia.org by Antonio Salas Saturday February 08, 2003 at 11:53 AM boicot@prodigy.net.mx 56581111 Ciudad de México

In God we trust

Why will the United States sacrify soldiers and invest thousands of millions of dollars in invading Iraq? Why does George Bush's government insist on making its citizens believe that Husein is a threat to the world? The answer lays on the weakend US economy that has ensure a cheap and continous supply of oil and this can be accomplished only militarily.

Eventhough US has other sources of energy and covers part of its energetic necesities exploiting its own oil reserves, US will need in a medium time limit to import a major quantity of oil since its reserves are not so great; without this combustible import it would be very dificult for the northamerican economy to accomplished a sustained growth.

The Persian Gulf has the greatest quantity of non-exploited oil deposits and the offer of oil originating from this part of the world influences drastically in determining the international price, on the other side eventhough US has allies in the Persian Gulf; countries like Iran or Iraq do not approve the participation of US companies in the development of non-exploited deposits.

These kinds of obstacles for US plans would impede to assure an offer continuously economically accesible for United States homes, industries and businesses.

That is why it's important a change in the Iraq regime, 3rd international place in oil reserves.

Nevertheless to be able tu justify a militar ocupation in Irak, (without the UN aproval), Washington has to convince United States citizens that international terrorism endangers their security and liberty. Also that Husein is a threat to the "free world" and many other so-called "arguments" with which the United States government and press have used to discredit a government that can rely on the mayority of the Iraqui population; the northamerican press inclusive has even qualified the northamericans as traitors that have cars that consume great quantities of combustible.

Washington has been successful at obtaining the aproval of its pupulation to go to war, in order to accounts United States has an apathetic population who is indifferent. They will behave meekly while their ability to purchase is safe.

United States national security in effect, depends on a war against Irak but not for the massive destructive weapons issue, nor fot the Islamic terrorism, but because it is necesary to increment oil reserves to be able to control the oil offer and along with this its price. Also to be able to sustain an economical growth.

If the United States is able to maintain a good standard of living the northamerican people will not have any internal problems, furthermore Israel's position would be propped up, controlling the Middle East and the export of oil to Europe.

Because of all this I believe it is important for us to take conscience of the issue because besides the humanitary disaster that will take place in Iraq, Mexico and Latin America are also in danger; Mexico has great oil reserves still not exploited in the Gulf of Mexico, (United States has not ratified Gulf of Mexico maritime limits) Nevertheless what is happening in Venezuela and Colombia is not an accident but its reason is the big impact on United States' foreign policy has, oil.

José Antonio Salas Barragán

Havana. February 8, 2003 www.granma.cu

CARACAS, February 7.— President Hugo Chávez today called on the world for a firm stand for Venezuelan democracy while addressing the accredited diplomatic corps in the country.

After receiving the traditional New Year greetings from ambassadors and business attachés, Chávez stated that ambiguities are not helpful when analyzing the present situation in the country.

"We are asking you to acknowledge and tell the truth, because there is a democratic, legitimate and re-legitimized government here, and a people firmly attached to the Constitution, for which reason there can be no negotiation with coup supporters and terrorists," he added.

He referred to the "savage campaign of lies" against the government being waged by the private media, which is causing confusion abroad.

"Our government has to be acknowledged for its battle for justice and equity and against poverty, and its consistent and ongoing extreme respect for liberties, but a government that is prepared to apply its laws.

Chávez stated that the government is considering adopting measures to deal with the private TV channels for legal violations and asked diplomats to tell the truth and explain the reasons for that action, without linking it to attacks on freedom of expression.

The president also referred to legal measures being taken against companies hoarding products.

He informed that members of the recently formed "group of friends" of Venezuela had requested an amnesty for managers and technical staff sacked for sabotaging the Petróleos de Venezuela Company, but discounted that possibility "given that we pardoned them last April and they used it to conspire against the nation."

Related stories: www.gazettenet.com

• Reactions to Lombardi’s speech
• Text of Lombardi’s address
• UMass receives $2M gift for science building
  KEVIN GUTTING University of Massachusetts Chancellor John V. Lombardi delivers his inaugural address Friday at the Mullins Center.

By CHERYL B. WILSON, Staff Writer

Saturday, February 8, 2003 -- AMHERST - Snow may have kept the crowds down, but it failed to put a damper on the enthusiasm, optimism and determination manifested at the inauguration Friday of John V. Lombardi as chancellor of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Lombardi promised to lead the flagship state university into better times by embracing the academic imperative, which was the theme of his two-day inaugural celebration.

"Whatever choices we make, we never stray far from the academic imperative, the fundamental values of the university: teaching and research," Lombardi said. "This is what we do, this is the center of our existence, and this is what describes our mission."

Approximately 2,000 people attended the colorful ceremony in the Mullins Center where the stage was decorated with dramatic flower arrangements of orchids, roses and carnations from Thursday's gala inaugural dinner. The long procession included faculty and administrators along with 125 delegates from around the country, several of them college and university presidents, all attired in academic regalia including hoods in crimson, orange, blues and yellows. UMass trustees wore maroon robes with a white sash.

Walter Chesnut, well-known emeritus music professor, seated on the stage, played the University Fanfare on a long trumpet. The UMass Amherst Wind Ensemble provided music for the processional and the UMass-Amherst Choirs led the audience in singing "Alma Mater."

UMass President William M. Bulger and Trustee Chairwoman Grace K. Fey conducted the inauguration ceremony by pinning on Lombardi the Chancellor's Medallion, a large pewter depiction of the university seal on a chain of handcrafted silver disks, each engraved with the name of a president or chancellor. Lombardi's name is the 27th link.

Lombardi delivered his inaugural address with his customary verve and rapid-fire manner.

The Lombardi mantra since his arrival on campus in July has been money matters, performance counts and time is the enemy.

Lombardi warned that the coming years may not be easy, but by working together as a campus, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other friends can succeed.

"The engine of university success is simple to describe, if difficult to achieve: more money spent well," Lombardi said. "We must earn the money to gain the chance to spend it well."

However, he reminded the faculty that sustained performance is what attracts money. "Performance requires constant improvement measured by our own and national competitors' achievements. We are an investment opportunity, not a charity. Money matters and performance counts are phrases that reflect the essential relationship between resources and achievement that chacterize all first rank American research universities."

At several junctures in his speech, Lombardi praised the faculty for their excellence and recognized their frustration with ranks depleted by early retirements and budget cuts and salaries lagging behind other institutions.

Outside, 60 to 75 members of campus unions held signs demanding funding for contracts that were vetoed last summer by then acting Gov. Jane Swift. Wearing red rain ponchos, they formed a double line at the entrance to the Mullins Center, but were respectful to inauguration attendees.

"We fund our faculty and staff salaries today, so we can remain competitive in the faculty marketplace tomorrow," Lombardi said to great applause.

Representatives of the faculty, staff, students and alumni spoke during the ceremony. Student Government Association President David Carr said, "He's giving students back something hard to find - hope."

Music professor Ernest May, secretary of the Faculty Senate, drew a laugh, saying Lombardi is leading the campus in the "search for truth, beauty and a new life as well as external funding."

Dignitaries speaking at the colorful inaugural ceremony, praised Lombardi's intellect as well as his administrative skills.

"He is brash, brilliant, industrious and straight-talking, a scholar and teacher," said John Ryan, emeritus president of Indiana University, where Lombardi first taught history and was a dean. "I have found John Lombardi to be the most honest, the most unpretentious and the most effective academic administrator I have known," Ryan added.

Venezuelan scholar and ambassador German Carrera Damas, another long-time Lombardi friend, said the new UMass chancellor is well-known in Venezuela for his research on the abolition of slavery in the South American country. Carrera Damas said Lombardi is a dedicated scholar who could only be diverted from research by his interest in car mechanics. Carrera Damas added that "speech is his secret weapon."

Bulger spoke about Lombardi's dedication to teaching and researach.

"In recent months, I've come to recognize John Lombardi as a man of enormous integrity whose energy and work ethic know no bounds. It is not because of his disarming charm and ready wit - although he has great charm and wit - but because he maintains a razorlike focus on the task of maintaining and improving the university in the critical areas of teaching and research," Bulger said. "He sees solutions rather than problems, success rather than failure, excellence rather than mediocrity.

Lombardi concluded his inaugural address saying, "This place has the people and the talent necessary for its success. The only question is our will to succeed, our commitment to the process, and our determination to remain nationally competitive....

"We fight for the future of this classic university ... for the future of UMass-Amherst's academic imperative knowing that our performance will command the resources we need in time for our future."

Related stories: www.gazettenet.com

• Reactions to Lombardi’s speech
• Text of Lombardi’s address
• UMass receives $2M gift for science building
  KEVIN GUTTING University of Massachusetts Chancellor John V. Lombardi delivers his inaugural address Friday at the Mullins Center.

By CHERYL B. WILSON, Staff Writer

Saturday, February 8, 2003 -- AMHERST - Snow may have kept the crowds down, but it failed to put a damper on the enthusiasm, optimism and determination manifested at the inauguration Friday of John V. Lombardi as chancellor of the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.

Lombardi promised to lead the flagship state university into better times by embracing the academic imperative, which was the theme of his two-day inaugural celebration.

"Whatever choices we make, we never stray far from the academic imperative, the fundamental values of the university: teaching and research," Lombardi said. "This is what we do, this is the center of our existence, and this is what describes our mission."

Approximately 2,000 people attended the colorful ceremony in the Mullins Center where the stage was decorated with dramatic flower arrangements of orchids, roses and carnations from Thursday's gala inaugural dinner. The long procession included faculty and administrators along with 125 delegates from around the country, several of them college and university presidents, all attired in academic regalia including hoods in crimson, orange, blues and yellows. UMass trustees wore maroon robes with a white sash.

Walter Chesnut, well-known emeritus music professor, seated on the stage, played the University Fanfare on a long trumpet. The UMass Amherst Wind Ensemble provided music for the processional and the UMass-Amherst Choirs led the audience in singing "Alma Mater."

UMass President William M. Bulger and Trustee Chairwoman Grace K. Fey conducted the inauguration ceremony by pinning on Lombardi the Chancellor's Medallion, a large pewter depiction of the university seal on a chain of handcrafted silver disks, each engraved with the name of a president or chancellor. Lombardi's name is the 27th link.

Lombardi delivered his inaugural address with his customary verve and rapid-fire manner.

The Lombardi mantra since his arrival on campus in July has been money matters, performance counts and time is the enemy.

Lombardi warned that the coming years may not be easy, but by working together as a campus, faculty, staff, students, alumni and other friends can succeed.

"The engine of university success is simple to describe, if difficult to achieve: more money spent well," Lombardi said. "We must earn the money to gain the chance to spend it well."

However, he reminded the faculty that sustained performance is what attracts money. "Performance requires constant improvement measured by our own and national competitors' achievements. We are an investment opportunity, not a charity. Money matters and performance counts are phrases that reflect the essential relationship between resources and achievement that chacterize all first rank American research universities."

At several junctures in his speech, Lombardi praised the faculty for their excellence and recognized their frustration with ranks depleted by early retirements and budget cuts and salaries lagging behind other institutions.

Outside, 60 to 75 members of campus unions held signs demanding funding for contracts that were vetoed last summer by then acting Gov. Jane Swift. Wearing red rain ponchos, they formed a double line at the entrance to the Mullins Center, but were respectful to inauguration attendees.

"We fund our faculty and staff salaries today, so we can remain competitive in the faculty marketplace tomorrow," Lombardi said to great applause.

Representatives of the faculty, staff, students and alumni spoke during the ceremony. Student Government Association President David Carr said, "He's giving students back something hard to find - hope."

Music professor Ernest May, secretary of the Faculty Senate, drew a laugh, saying Lombardi is leading the campus in the "search for truth, beauty and a new life as well as external funding."

Dignitaries speaking at the colorful inaugural ceremony, praised Lombardi's intellect as well as his administrative skills.

"He is brash, brilliant, industrious and straight-talking, a scholar and teacher," said John Ryan, emeritus president of Indiana University, where Lombardi first taught history and was a dean. "I have found John Lombardi to be the most honest, the most unpretentious and the most effective academic administrator I have known," Ryan added.

Venezuelan scholar and ambassador German Carrera Damas, another long-time Lombardi friend, said the new UMass chancellor is well-known in Venezuela for his research on the abolition of slavery in the South American country. Carrera Damas said Lombardi is a dedicated scholar who could only be diverted from research by his interest in car mechanics. Carrera Damas added that "speech is his secret weapon."

Bulger spoke about Lombardi's dedication to teaching and researach.

"In recent months, I've come to recognize John Lombardi as a man of enormous integrity whose energy and work ethic know no bounds. It is not because of his disarming charm and ready wit - although he has great charm and wit - but because he maintains a razorlike focus on the task of maintaining and improving the university in the critical areas of teaching and research," Bulger said. "He sees solutions rather than problems, success rather than failure, excellence rather than mediocrity.

Lombardi concluded his inaugural address saying, "This place has the people and the talent necessary for its success. The only question is our will to succeed, our commitment to the process, and our determination to remain nationally competitive....

"We fight for the future of this classic university ... for the future of UMass-Amherst's academic imperative knowing that our performance will command the resources we need in time for our future."