Venezuelans convinced Chavez is doomed

San Francisco Chronicle ^ | March 12, 2002 | Phil Gunson, Chronicle Foreign Service

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Caracas, Venezuela -- In bars and restaurants these days, the debate among Venezuelans is no longer whether or not populist President Hugo Chavez will finish his term, but when he will go and how.

"At the rate of decline, it is hard to see him staying in power for more than 90 (more) days," said Eric Ekvall, a U.S. corporate consultant, who has lived for some two decades in Venezuela.

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Employees of Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA hold posters, in front, that reads "Promotions based on merit, not Politics" during a rally in the parking lot of the company building in Caracas, Venezuela, Friday, March 8, 2002. PDVSA's top managers began a four-hour work stoppage to protest appointments by President Hugo Chavez they say are politicizing the company. (AP Photo/Fernando LLano)

Venezuela a risk? Blame media, says Chavez --[Excerpt] Chavez, a tough-talking ex-paratrooper, has brushed aside calls to resign, ridiculed opposition moves against him and accused the media and political foes of waging a campaign of ``media terrorism'' against his self-proclaimed ``revolution''.

In comments Sunday, the Venezuelan leader slammed what he called ``perverse, immoral, lying and ill-intentioned'' coverage of Venezuela by national and international media. [End Excerpt]

[Chapita]

bump to the top!!!

[Cincinatus' Wife]

Bump!

[Free the USA]

Check the Bump List folders for articles related to and descriptions of the above topic(s) or for other topics of interest.