Ros-Lehtinen to Meet With Venezuelan Opposition Mayor
Will Discuss Chavez Assault on Democracy, Regional Security
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on her upcoming meeting with Mayor of Caracas and opposition leader Antonio Ledezma Diaz. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“Believers in true democracy are under siege in Venezuela.
“Chavez’s attacks on free press, manipulation of the political process, and string of expropriations are tactics eerily similar to those that the Castro regime used to gain a stranglehold on Cuba.
“However, some continue to ignore this shocking reality. Some allow themselves to believe the façade of democracy that Chavez presents to the outside world.
“I am pleased that Mayor Ledezma is visiting D.C. next week to help shatter Chavez’s myth.
“Opposition leaders like Ledezma represent hope for democracy in Venezuela, and therefore hope for improved ties with the United States.
“Chavez is only interested in manipulating responsible nations and cozying up to rogue regimes and extremist groups. His regime threatens the security interests of the U.S. and our allies and continues to drag Venezuela deeper into the authoritarian abyss.”
Background: Antonio Ledezma Diaz is the democratically-elected opposition mayor of Caracas, Venezuela. Since taking office, Chavez has moved to strip away his authority, funding sources and responsibilities.
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on her upcoming meeting with Mayor of Caracas and opposition leader Antonio Ledezma Diaz. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“Believers in true democracy are under siege in Venezuela.
“Chavez’s attacks on free press, manipulation of the political process, and string of expropriations are tactics eerily similar to those that the Castro regime used to gain a stranglehold on Cuba.
“However, some continue to ignore this shocking reality. Some allow themselves to believe the façade of democracy that Chavez presents to the outside world.
“I am pleased that Mayor Ledezma is visiting D.C. next week to help shatter Chavez’s myth.
“Opposition leaders like Ledezma represent hope for democracy in Venezuela, and therefore hope for improved ties with the United States.
“Chavez is only interested in manipulating responsible nations and cozying up to rogue regimes and extremist groups. His regime threatens the security interests of the U.S. and our allies and continues to drag Venezuela deeper into the authoritarian abyss.”
Background: Antonio Ledezma Diaz is the democratically-elected opposition mayor of Caracas, Venezuela. Since taking office, Chavez has moved to strip away his authority, funding sources and responsibilities.
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