AIDAN CAHILL,
Sir, - We wish to call to your attention the dearth of coverage of the reforms taking place in Venezuela, and of the threat to those reforms.
Since its colonisation Latin America has had its immense wealth of natural resources concentrated in the hands of a tiny élite. Most of this wealth has been exported for the benefit of the rich "northern" economies of the US and Europe, while the vast majority of people face exclusion and poverty. Any government or social movement that has offered a realistic challenge to this status quo has met violent repression led by the government of the US.
Although little reported internationally, the government of Hugo Chavez has implemented dramatic reforms that have begun to shift the great wealth of Venezuela, derived principally from its oil, towards the 80 per cent of its people who live in poverty. In 49 laws adopted by the Venezuelan Congress last November, Chavez (who has been returned to power twice in elections) began serious land reform, guaranteed rights for indigenous people and for women and provided free healthcare and education to university level for all.
Almost 30 years after the violent destruction, in a CIA-led coup, of the reformist government of Salvador Allende in Chile, many commentators believe a repeat performance is being planned in Venezuela. Chavez faces enemies that Allende would recognise. The wealthy élite, backed by the Catholic Church, a conservative trade union hierarchy and a media controlled by the right, have declared war on the reforming president.
Allied with Chavez's domestic enemies is the Bush administration. Defying Washington, Chavez has sold oil to Cuba and refused overflying rights to American military aircraft supplying "Plan Colombia", the US campaign in support of the murderous regime in neighbouring Colombia. Worse, although he condemned the attacks of 11th September, he questioned the right of the United States to "fight terrorism with terrorism". It so happens that Venezuela is the US's second largest source of oil.
The recent coup and temporary toppling of Chavez were greeted with barely-disguised glee by the Bush administration - and some EU governments. While a popular mobilisation helped return Chavez to power this time, the anti-democratic elements may be better prepared next time. International solidarity is needed to help create space for popular reform. - Yours, etc.,
Aidan Cahill,
Management Committee,
Latin America
Solidarity Centre,
Merrion Row,
Dublin 2.