World

Venezuelan military seizes ports

by israeli.agent | March 21, 2009 at 07:38 pm

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Uncle Chavez strikes again. In a widely praised revolutionary move - ofcourse by his supporters - Venezuelan Presideng Hugo Chavez ordered the military to take over the major ports and air strips of the country. The aim was to limit the control of the four states which disagree with some of his policies.

Venezuela's military has taken control of key airports and sea ports under the terms of a move rubber-stamped by parliament a week ago.

The move centralises the running of the country's main transport hubs.

President Hugo Chavez has pushed for the move, describing it as "reunifying the motherland, which was in pieces".

Critics of Mr Chavez say the plans are unconstitutional, but the National Assembly backed them a week ago, saying they would improve essential services.

Interesting report from Xinhua News Agency, China. It explains what are the main motives, reasons and concerns that forced Mr. Chavez to make this move.

The central government is to set up seaport and airport companies to modernize the port facilities throughout Venezuela, Chavez said.

To bring the country's major transportation hubs under federal control was based on security concern, said the president, noting those facilities are of strategic importance and should not be abused by certain local forces or mafia for drug trafficking.

Chavez has earlier ordered the Venezuelan Bolivarian National Army to occupy the facilities of Maracaibo, Puerto Caballo and Porlamar Ports, which respectively belong to the states of Zulia, Carabobo and Porlamar, all run by right-wing opposition politicians.