www.vheadlines.com Posted: Friday, March 21, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

According to National Assembly (AN) Electoral Applications Committee deputy, Rafael Octavio Rivero, 25-30% of applicants do not meet statutory requirements.  “A lot of them have presented incomplete forms and have not annexed all the documents required … for example, some do not have university titles or 10 years professional experience.”

The Christian Socialist (COPEI) deputy reports that the committee is reviewing applications, which should be narrowed down to 90-115 persons, who will be interviewed by the 21-member committee within the next few days. “We will narrow the list down to 60 persons and hand the list to the House plenary session to elect the new National Electoral College (CNE).

However, Alianza Bravo Pueblo (ABP) deputy, Carlos Casanova says the interviews could be postponed given the fact that 10 sub-committees are wading through the candidates’ documents and CVs.

www.vheadline.com Posted: Friday, March 14, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

The Venezuelan government has ordered the Armed Forces (FAN) to boost its military presence along the 1,400 mile border with Colombia following accusations from some Colombian government representatives that Colombian guerilla groups are using Venezuelan territory for training purposes and to escape the Colombian army.

According to General Warrick Blanco, there are currently around 5,000 soldiers guarding the border, but many more will soon arrive, along with extra equipment and helicopters. The air force will also increase its surveillance activities along the border. 

Blanco also denied recent reports in the Colombian media that claimed there are around 400 guerilla training camps in Venezuela at the moment, branding the reports "irresponsible."

The government has also strongly denied these claims, however, Fernando Villasmil an opposition politician in Zulia State claims to have a copy of a report by the Environment Ministry that confirms the existence of at least one camp. The validity of the allegation has still to be confirmed.

www.vheadline.com Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Venezuela has fulfilled its role in the US Navy sponsored annual “Unitas” exercises.

According to news reports, the Caribbean phase of the joint exercises was carried out between the islands of Puerto Rico and Santa Lucia.

For Venezuela, Navy Ship Captain William Hernandez directed 145 seamen using two remodeled frigates, a transporter and 2 helicopters.

Most of the crews consisted of the Navy elite Francisco de Miranda Special Operations Command.

Among other countries joining the exercises were Colombia, Peru, the Netherlands, Dominican Republic, Panama, Mexico and Argentina.

www.vheadline.com Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

A court measure taken against the Chacao Mayor’s Office could affect the famous Chacao Palm Sunday collectors, who for 235 years have cut palms for the Holy Week religious ceremonies in the Avila hillsides.

According to opposition Mayor Leopoldo Lopez, Judge Danilo Anderson, who made the ruling, has mounted a campaign against the municipality.

Last year the “Palmeros,” as they are known, were refused permission to cut palms after complaints of environmental damage.

In the end they were allowed into the Avila for three days (not the usual two weeks camping) accompanied by National Park (Inparques) rangers to monitor proceedings.

Lopez says he will meet representatives from Inparques and the Control judge to see how far the measure affects the “Palmeros.”

The Mayor recalls that the “Palmeros” are represented on the Environmental Brigade that he set up last year after the controversy.

www.grandforks.com Posted on Mon, Mar. 10, 2003 Associated Press

CARACAS, Venezuela - Foreign Minister Roy Chaderton called on the United States on Monday to provide evidence regarding the existence of alleged terror finance networks in Venezuela.

Last week, the U.S. Southern Command's Gen. James Hill said terrorist organizations, including the militant Lebanese group Hezbollah, were operating in border areas of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay and on Venezuela's Margarita Island.

Hill said operatives were taking advantage of smuggling hotspots and weak institutions to channel funds to international terrorist groups.

"Whoever has evidence of situations like those described must first give them to corresponding authorities," Chaderton told the local Union Radio station.

"That evidence ... could lead to the opening of an investigation. A simple denunciation isn't enough," he added.

Chaderton said President Hugo Chavez's government would cooperate with U.S. authorities to halt any terror-related activities in this South American country of 24 million.

If someone has reasons to think there are terrorist networks in Venezuela, "We would support any initiative to neutralize those types of actions," said Chaderton.

After meeting with Venezuelan authorities Friday, U.S. ambassador to Venezuela Charles Shapiro said Washington was concerned that international terror groups have established bases in all Latin American countries.

Two bombs exploded outside Spanish and Colombian diplomatic missions in Caracas on Feb. 15. The attacks stoked fears that Colombia-style terror had reached neighboring Venezuela.