US Ambassador expresses concern over Venezuelan terrorism

www.vheadline.com Posted: Sunday, March 09, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

US Ambassador to Venezuela Charles Shapiro has expressed his concern that international terrorist organizations have set up bases in Venezuela and other Latin American countries.

The comments echo those made by US General James Hill who earlier this week said several international terror groups, including Hezbollah, had set up bases in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and on Isla Margarita in Venezuela.

Following a meeting with Executive Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel, Shapiro said "I don't want to accuse anybody, but we are on alert ... we are ready to collaborate with the Venezuelan government to seek out terrorism that may exist in the country."

The pair also discussed the upcoming war on Iraq, and although on details of this conversation were made available the talks almost certainly addressed Venezuela's ability to raise its oil production to help meet an Iraqi shortfall.