Fascism laid bare in Chávez book

www.granma.cu Havana. February 3,  2003

ON February 2nd, President Fidel Castro attended the launch of the second edition of El Golpe Fascista Contra Venezuela (Fascist Coup against Venezuela), a book containing speeches and public statements by the country’s leader, Hugo Chávez.

Published by Ediciones Plaza, the volume contains the Venezuelan president’s reiterated exposés, including his recent contribution to the 3rd World Social Forum in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Pérez Roque described the book as a weapon for combat and thought, and went on to emphasize that the coup in Venezuela has been totally defeated now, thanks to the heroism of the Venezuelan people and their leader Hugo Chávez.

Pérez Roque reflected on the events that occurred in that Bolivarian nation last April and December and pointed out that the solution to a dilemma is being played out in Venezuela, not just for that country but for Latin America as a whole.

He added it will be increasingly difficult for transnational corporations and the oligarchy to impose their designs and interests on the Venezuelan people.

During the launch Julio Montes, Venezuelan ambassador in Havana, stressed that the battle against the coup has been decisively won. He explained that the deceptionally termed "general strike" has been called off, amounting to an admission of defeat. He also noted the resulting profundity of awareness within the Bolivarian process.

Twice-published in record time – less than 48 hours – the release of this key testimonial relating to the truth of recent events in the Andean nation was made possible by Ediciones Plaza, who carried out the project on the initiative of President Fidel Castro.

Pedro Alvarez Tabío, editor of the publishing house, stated that this expanded edition is published in English, French, Italian, German, Russian and Arabic.

From Caracas, President Hugo Chávez praised the Cuban edition of the book, reported Prensa Latina. The head of state applauded the speed with which his most recent public statements have been collated and printed.