Cablegate: Media Reaction - Chavez' Proposals for Constitutional

VZCZCXYZ0017
RR RUEHWEB

DE RUEHSG #1355 2321205
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
R 201205Z AUG 07
FM AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 2011
INFO RUEHCV/AMEMBASSY CARACAS 1491

UNCLAS SANTIAGO 001355

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IIP/G/WHA, INR/R/MR, WHA/BSC, WHA/PDA, INR/IAA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OPRC KMDR KPAO PGOV PREL VE CI
SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION - CHAVEZ' PROPOSALS FOR CONSTITUTIONAL
REFORM

1. On August 17, government-owned, editorially independent "La
Nacion" (circ. 4,200) carried a column by international analyst Raul
Sohr entitled "Chavez on the Offensive." Quote:

2. "A seven-year presidential term with the possibility of immediate
reelection -- as easy as that," concluded Venezuelan President Hugo
Chavez when he announced his proposals for constitutional reform....
This would impose his will for a unique and centered leadership in
the leader of the Bolivarian movement.... What is new in this
situation...is that, by utilizing democratic (tools), he proposes
reforms that rupture economic and political structures. Until now,
all changes have been submitted to popular consultation and have
counted with clear support. Under those circumstances, to
disqualify the authoritarianism of a regime is debatable, especially
if it obtains a majority in electoral processes that international
observers declare valid. This is what allows the Venezuelan
President to proclaim: Vox Populi, Vox Dei."

YAMAUCHI

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