Miss Venezuela's family is "critical" towards but not against President Chavez Frias

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Speaking in Panama in preparation for the Miss Universe contest on June 3, Miss Venezuela Mariangel Ruiz denies that her last minute decision to take part in the pageant was a publicity stunt and says Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso did not pay a penny to get her to Panama. 

"Gustavo Cisneros, who is a Miss Venezuela contest sponsor put up the money after the Panamanian President insisted that Venezuela's participation at the event was very important ... Cisneros made a loan from Venevision, which also belongs to him and that is how I'm here." 

Mr. Cisneros created a minor stir last month in Venezuela when his organization announced that there wasn't enough cash to take Miss Venezuela to Panama, referring to the political situation and the government's exchange rate freeze as influencing the decision. 

Miss Venezuela (1.76 height) dismisses charges that Mr. Cisneros was playing politics. Her own family, Ruiz says, does not oppose President Hugo Chavez Frias although it is "critical and feels bad about what is happening in Venezuela."