M E D I A A L E R T

13 March 2008

Venezuelan revolutionary diplomat to visit NZ

Nelson Davila, Venezuela's top diplomat for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, is to visit this country shortly on a speaking tour.

"With the US state stepping up its covert actions and war of words against Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, the visit of his top Pacific diplomat to New Zealand is very timely," said Grant Morgan, national organiser of Nelson Davila's NZ tour.

"Now Kiwis can hear about Venezuela straight from the mouth of one of Mr Chavez's longtime revolutionary co-workers, offsetting the blatantly anti-Chavez propaganda of US president George Bush which is often carried in the global media without the other side being heard."

Mr Davila will be speaking in Wellington, Christchurch, Ruatoki, Rotorua, Hamilton and Auckland. His itinerary is printed below. Journalists are welcome to cover the public meetings.

If you would like to interview Mr Davila, please contact:

or alternatively,

Lara Pullin, Mr Davila's Canberra-based secretary, on +61-2-62902968 or +61439601277.

N A T I O N A L S P E A K I N G T O U R

NELSON DAVILA Venezuela's top diplomat in our region

Nelson Davila, Venezuela's Canberra-based charge d'affaires for Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, is not your traditional diplomat. He started out as a student activist during a period of mass mobilisations in Venezuela. He then became an indigenous rights activist, and later was a founding member of Hugo Chavez's revolutionary group Bolivarian Revolutionary Movement inside the Venezuelan armed forces.

Nelson will speak at meetings in Wellington, Christchurch, Ruatoki, Rotorua, Hamilton & Auckland about where the Venezuelan revolutionary process is heading, including: The recent formation of the 5 million strong United Socialist Party of Venezuela in response to president Chavez's call for "socialism of the 21st century". The Chavez government's strong support for indigenous rights in Venezuela. The explosive growth of Communal Councils which have the power to decide on local and regional priorities, along with a huge chunk of state funding to implement their own grassroots plans.

N A T I O N A L I T I N E R A R Y

SATURDAY MARCH 15 - WELLINGTON 5pm shared dinner with invited friends of Venezuela at Fidels Cafe, Cuba St. Limited seating, if interested, contact Julie jwebbp@gmail.com or 021 0262 5456. 8.30-10.30pm public meeting at Newtown Community Centre hosted by Latin American Committee.

SUNDAY MARCH 16 - CHRISTCHURCH 2-4pm public meeting at Workers Educational Association, 59 Gloucester St (opposite Art Gallery). 5pm shared dinner with invited friends of Venezuela at Tulsi Cafe, corner of Gloucester & Manchester Sts. Limited seating, if interested, contact Dave colyer@pl.net or 021 046 2011.

MONDAY MARCH 17 - CHRISTCHURCH & ROTORUA 12 noon-2pm public meeting in the International Room at Canterbury University, If you need directions, contact Dave colyer@pl.net or 021 046 2011. 8pm shared dinner with invited friends of Venezuela at Kwang Chow Restaurant in Te Ngae, Rotorua. Limited seating, if interested, contact Bernie bernieh@clear.net.nz or (07) 3459 853.

TUESDAY MARCH 18 - RUATOKI & ROTORUA 10am-2pm meet Tuhoe people at Tauarau Marae, Ruatoki. 7pm open meeting at Bernie's home, 61 Isles Rd, Rotorua. If you need directions, contact Bernie bernieh@clear.net.nz or (07) 3459 853.

WEDNESDAY MARCH 19 - ROTORUA, HAMILTON & AUCKLAND 1-2pm public meeting at student union building at Waikato University, hosted by Waikato Students Union. 6pm public meeting at Auckland University co-hosted by three student clubs. Venue: lecture theatre LibB28, in the basement of the University Library, Albert St. If you need directions, contact Oliver oliver.woods@gmail.com or 021 072 4647.

THURSDAY MARCH 20 - AUCKLAND 10-11.30am meeting with academics at Auckland University. Limited seating, if interested, contact Kathryn k.lehman@auckland.ac.nz or 021 0613 406. 6pm till late, pot-luck dinner at Unite Workers Union, 6A Western Springs Rd, Kingsland, all friends of Venezuela welcome. If you need directions, contact Mike 027 5254 744.

FRIDAY MARCH 21 - AUCKLAND 12 noon-2pm Question & Answer session with social justice activists over shared pizzas, hosted by RAM. Limited seating, with preference given to RAM members, if interested contact Oliver oliver.woods@gmail.com . Meet at main entrance of Auckland University Library, Albert St, to be guided to adjacent venue. 7.30pm till late, public meeting at Trades Hall, 147 Great North Rd, Grey Lynn, co-hosted by VAST (Venezuela Aotearoa Solidarity Team) and GPJA (Global Peace & Justice Auckland). Followed by live music & social. Bring your guitar!

SATURDAY MARCH 22 - AUCKLAND Evening gathering of Latin American friends of Hugo Chavez. If interested, email Esteban at fideluna@gmail.com.

NZ supporters of Venezuela are being asked to convey suggestions about building a Venezuela solidarity network to Nelson's tour organiser Grant Morgan,

ENDS

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