Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 13, 2008

Contact: Olivia Goumbri, Venezuela Information Office, 301-613-4767

VIO Denounces Inaccurate ICG Report on Chavez Administration

The Venezuela Information Office calls for the recognition of several grave inaccuracies and distortions present in a report on the administration of President Chavez released by the International Crisis Group (ICG) on July 23, 2008.

The report, entitled "Venezuela: Political Reform or Regime Demise?" misrepresents the current state of political affairs in that country by suggesting that it is not a stable democracy. Under President Chavez, though, Venezuela has a proven record of regular, free and fair elections and high voter participation. State policies over the last decade have been effective in reducing poverty, strengthening democratic institutions, and fostering an open political debate in civil society.

A trusted authority on conflict prevention and resolution, the ICG sadly shows an irresponsible tendency to disregard objectivity and fact in its analysis of Venezuela. The Venezuela Information Office has issued a detailed review of the ICG report that serves to correct errors and provide the missing context.

To read a full evaluation of the ICG report, click here.

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NOTE: The Venezuela Information Office is dedicated to informing the American public about contemporary Venezuela, and receives its funding from the government of Venezuela. More information is available from the FARA office of the Department of Justice in Washington DC.

Venezuela Information Office
2000 P Street NW, Suite 240, Washington, DC 20036  tel: (202) 347-8081  fax: (202) 223-8029