OAS: Venezuela has no links to terrorism

Caracas, 10 April 2007. During a congressional hearing at Washington, the OAS Secretary General, José Miguel Insulsa explained the organization dealings in the recent diplomatic crisis among Colombia, Ecuador and Venezuela. During the hearing and upon request of Republican Connie Mack, Insulza clearly stated there was no evidence Venezuela supported terrorist groups.  Mack interrupted Insulza on different occasions. He also pressed OAS representative to do more on regional crisis and against Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez. Insulza insisted OAS could only do what its member states decided. It was not a military organization, Insulza added.

The current Bush administration tried to get Venezuela in the terrorist country list to no avail. Furthermore, it failed to push Congress approval of the Free Trade Agreement with Colombia. Democrats decided to freeze it upon improvements of Human Rights by Colombian government.

Speaking from Argentina today, Under Secretary Thomas Shanon stated the American government would like to improve bilateral relations with Venezuela. Political relations continue to be tense while commerce continues to flourish between the two countries. The new change in the US approach to Venezuela seems to be motivated by the imminent change in administration after the Bush term is over.   

More news to come

Sources: Globovision, VTV, unionradio, BBC Mundo