Files Linking Hugo Chavez To Rebels 'Not Faked'

The Telegraph (UK) ^ | 5-15-2008 | Jeremy McDermott

[blam]

Files linking Hugo Chavez to rebels 'not faked'

Last Updated: 11:22PM BST 15/05/2008

Computer files that Colombia claims prove President Hugo Chavez of Venezuela is a state sponsor of terrorism have not been faked, Interpol has said.

Colombia insists that data seized during a raid on a guerrilla camp show that the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a rebel group trying to overthrow the government, planned and launched operations from Venezuela against Colombian security forces.

The computers and hard drives also contained letters. In a communication from early last year, Farc allegedly asked Mr Chavez for a loan of $250 million (£128 million).

The computers were seized during a raid on a guerrilla camp within Ecuador in March. Colombia asked Interpol to rule on the authenticity of the files. Mr Chavez has denied the allegations.

Although Interpol found that the files had not been tampered with, that was no guarantee that the data was accurate. However, the US has already declared that it believes the files to be genuine and is considering what action to take if it is proved that Venezuela has supported what it regards as a terrorist group.

[arderkrag]

However, the US has already declared that it believes the files to be genuine and is considering what action to take if it is proved that Venezuela has supported what it regards as a terrorist group.

As if any debate need to be made over what to do now to that little tinhorn dictator.

[Eric in the Ozarks]

Won’t happen till a new administration takes office.