Cablegate: Media Reaction: Venezuela Press Freedom

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SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION: VENEZUELA PRESS FREEDOM

Chavez Radicalizes

Editorial in liberal Folha de S. Paulo (1-27) notes:
"....[Venezuela's] authoritarian gesture.....[suspending operation
of a TV station opposed to President Hugo Chavez] reflects the
current circumstances of Chavez's government. The economic
recession, rising inflation and 'Cubanization' of basic services -
the country lives under water and energy rationing - are taking
their political toll.....Trapped, Chavez is trying to limit press
actions because....what supports the regime is his direct link with
the masses - and a free press is always a hindrance to that....OAS
Secretary-General Jose Miguel Insulza criticized the suspension.
The American and French governments also condemned the limits
imposed on the right to information. From Itamaraty, not even a
word....The Lula Administration's problem is adopting an opposite
position reacting in accordance to its ideological proximity to the
aggressor."
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