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The Facts on HCR 224
Contact Res. Com. Fortuno’s office at
(202) 225-2615 (tel)
(202) 225-215 (fax)
or Email at: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
HCR 224 states that "Venezuela has undergone enormous political changes, including a new constitution, a new unicameral legislature, and even a new name for the country since President Hugo Chavez ascended to power."
FACT: Contrary to the implication, President Chavez did not rewrite the Constitution or overhaul the government, although the Venezuelan people make a number of Constitutional reforms in response to years of corruption. A Constitutional Assembly was convened in 1999; it was a democratic process designed to allow all sectors of the Venezuelan public to shape their government. Once drafted, the Constitution was overwhelmingly ratified in a referendum. Today, the Constitution is one of the most inclusive in the world.
HCR 224 states that human rights groups are concerned by "a growing concentration of power in the executive branch of government with a tendency to militarize public administration."
FACT: Venezuela’s most respected human rights organization, PROVEA, recently wrote to William Brownfield, the US ambassador to Venezuela, noting that the US government’s continued misrepresentation of the human rights situation in Venezuela is not only motivated more by ideological opposition than facts, but also has made it increasingly difficult for human rights organizations to do their job.
Read the Provea letter
HCR 224 states that "the Venezuelan Government enacted legislation placing restrictions on broadcast content affecting the full exercise of freedom of expression."
FACT: The Venezuelan law restricts explicit sex and violence during daytime hours. It is similar to decency laws around the world. Critics have made the claim that it restricts news coverage of violence, but in reality the law specifically exempts programming, like the news, in which such violence is "central" to the purpose of the program.
Venezuela is hardly restrictive of media. The country has 48 non-cable channels in Venezuela, only 2 of which are state-run. There are also at least 120 international channels broadcast in the country, with over half of those coming from the United States. These include FOX News, CNN International, CNN En Español, E! Entertainment Television, and ESPN.
HCR 224 encourages the U.S. government to "reach out to democracy and human rights activists, and the nonviolent democratic opposition in Venezuela, and to assist them in their efforts."
FACT: The United States has been supporting Venezuelan opposition parties for many years, including funds that were diverted to non-democratic organizations involved in the illegal coup against President Chavez in 2002. The last thing the Venezuelan people need is more "encouragement" for the United States to interfere in their democracy.
It is important to remember that President Chavez has twice been democratically elected, and currently enjoys a popularity rating of over 70%. Any effort by the United States to support opposition parties or oust the President is an action against the democratic wishes of the Venezuelan people.
Contact Res. Com. Fortuno’s office at
(202) 225-2615 (tel)
(202) 225-215 (fax)
or Email at: http://www.house.gov/writerep/
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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
733 15th Street NW, Suite 932
Washington, DC 20005
tel: (202) 347-8081
fax: (202) 347-8091
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