February 18, 2002 -
Third Venezuelan Officer Says Chavez Must Go *** A Venezuelan navy rear admiral on Monday condemned President Hugo Chavez as unpatriotic and became the highest-ranking armed forces officer to publicly demand the resignation of the outspoken left-wing leader. The public challenge by Rear Admiral Carlos Molina was another slap at Chavez, himself a former paratroop officer, after two other lower-ranking military officers staged similar highly publicized acts of defiance 11 days ago.
"Venezuelans! For Venezuela, its future and the well-being of our children, we must all demand with a single voice the immediate resignation of President Chavez and his government," Molina, wearing his gold-braided white naval uniform, told a news conference. Defense Minister Jose Vicente Rangel said military authorities would review Molina's statement and act with "great seriousness but firmness as well." ***
Hugo Chavez - Venezuela
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