Tag Archives: Hugo Chavez

Fujimori: the other side of the story (part 2)

Klein/Mack Resolution to combat terrorism in Latin America passes Foreign Affairs Committee

U.S. Reps. Ron Klein (FL-22) and Connie Mack (FL-14) praised Committee passage of their resolution calling on the U.S. government to work with countries in the Western Hemisphere to combat terrorism and Hezbollah’s growing influence in Latin America.  H.Res. 435 passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee unanimously this morning and now awaits a vote in the full House of Representatives.

Fujimori: The Other Side of the Story – Part II

The Americas report of October 16th, 2007 focused on Alberto Fujimori’s extradition from Chile. As stated he is now in jail in Peru facing seven charges that range from claims of having committed crimes against humanity to corruption. We also provided background information of what Peru experienced prior to Fujimori taking office and some of his accomplishments during the time of his presidency. Today’s story focuses on the implications of Fujimori’s presence in Peru for the Garcia regime and for Ollanta Humala, the Chavez backed candidate for president in the Peruvian elections of 2011.

NEWS:

  • Bolivians foil Morales.
  • Thousands march against Chavez reforms. Chavez’s secret services suspected of trying to spy on Zapatero. PDVSA to Enlarge its Workforce. IAPA denounces "serious outrage" against press freedom in Venezuela.
  • Russia Boosts Links in Argentina.
  • US the Target of Muslim Terrorist Organization Operating in Lima, Peru. Hugo Chavez and Fidel Castro Continue to Aid Peru’s needy. Trade between Peru & Venezuela Amounts to U.S. $500 Million.
  • Brazil Proposes FTA with India And South Africa.
  • Costa Rican President Makes First China Visit since Cutting Taiwan Ties.
  • Ecuador rejoins OPEC.
  • Argentine first lady is clear favorite in presidential race.
  • Colombian President Kicks off Election Crusade. Colombia candidates murdered by FARC.
  • "The Iranian House of Latin America" visits Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
  • Bush’s drug war funding plan draws fire in U.S., Mexico.

View the full version of the Americas Report (PDF)

View the Klein/Mack Resolution on combatting terrorism in Latin America (PDF)

For any questions, comments, or those interested in receiving this report in the future or seeking to have their email removed from our list please contact Nicole M. Ferrand at our new e-mail address: mengesproject@centerforsecuritypolicy.org.  If you have news stories that you think might be useful for future editions of this report please send them, with a link to the original website, to the same e-mail address. If you wish to contribute with an article, please send it to the same address, with your name and place of work or study.

Chavez comes to the aid of Lukashenko

The human rights violations of the current Belarusian regime are notorious. There are serious concerns about people disappearing, summary executions, arbitrary arrests and detentions without trials. Religious and political activities are strictly controlled, and there is no freedom of the press. The use of Neo-Nazi thugs to intimidate opposition supporters and Union activists is common. Poles, Jews and other minority groups are often harassed. Even ordinary people are fearful of the secret police. In 1995, current Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko praised Adolph Hitler in a Russian NTV interview, igniting widespread international indignation.

In response, both the U.S. and the European Union have imposed political and economic sanctions on Lukashenko’s regime.  However, Belarus has been able to overcome some of these economic difficulties due to its key location as a transit route for the raw material transported between Russia and other former Soviet Republics to Western Europe, and to large Russian subsidies. Currently, the Belarusian economy is characterized by an over-concentration on high-tech military production.

[More]However, the relationship between Moscow and Minsk deteriorated in 2006 when the Russian State-owned gas company, Gazprom, decided to increase the oil price to Belarus. This turned into a crisis last January when Belarus started to siphon the oil off the pipes and Gazprom then cut the oil from pumping. It was at that point Europe questioned whether Russia could be relied on as a safe supplier of oil.

Although Moscow and Minsk eventually reached an agreement, alleged violations led Gazprom to announce a cut in the supply of gas to Belarus due to a debt of over 450 million dollars, leading to a new crisis that could strangle the Belarusian economy. However, the Belarusian dictator’s headache is gone. Another dictator, the Venezuelan President, Hugo Chavez, has come to the rescue and paid the Belarusian debt to Gazprom.  In addition, Chavez plans to give the Belarusian state oil firm concessions to exploit oil fields and sell the petroleum to the United States. The Belarusian government expects to earn enough profits so that they will eventually be able to develop their own refineries.

 

What is the explanation for Chavez’s generosity? After congratulating the Belarusian dictator for choking off opposition protests, Chavez labeled his partnership with Lukashenko as being strategic. Chavez perceives the alliance to be strategic because of the Belarusian over-capacity of military production. As a matter of fact, Venezuelan authorities have announced the acquisition of a Belarusian missile-shield system, and although President Bush has said that he does not consider Chavez a threat, the fact is that Chavez is actively working to create a world coalition against the United States.

Well-advised by the Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro, Hugo Chavez, an uncultured person endowed with unrealistic dreams of glory, social hate and an inferiority complex, he has undertaken the enormous task of destroying capitalism and creating a new world order based on the socialism of the twenty first century, which is a fuzzily defined version of twentieth century communism. In undertaking that task, Chavez has created strong links with Cuba, Iran and Syria, flirted with North Korea, and extended his friendship with Mugabe in Zimbabwe, Khadafy in Libya, as well as the Russian and Chinese governments. In Latin America, he financially helped not only Evo Morales in Bolivia, Daniel Ortega in Nicaragua and Rafael Correa in Ecuador to win their elections, but also anti-democratic groups in Mexico, Central America, Peru and Argentina. It is well-known that he has strong links with the Colombian terrorist guerrilla group known as the FARC. Now, Chavez has extended his network to include a new partnership with the Belarusian dictator, Lukashenko. As a matter of fact, using a military argot, both dictators have recently announced a joint front against the U.S., which they identify as the leading enemy to defeat in their crusade against market economies and representative democracies.

Yet, how does Chavez plan to achieve this world revolution? Using his country’s oil money and an oil price over seventy dollars per barrel, the first step is to build strong support within Latin America. For this purpose, he is planning to create the greatest army in the region as well as establishing his own free trade block called ALBA.  Chavez is using his country’s oil wealth to finance anti-democratic groups in other Latin American countries by supporting leftist candidates who share his views and will help to further his agenda. Examples of this would be his continued financial support of Ollanta Humala in Peru and his provision of sanctuary to the FARC inside Venezuela.  In addition, Chavez has deepened his links with Russia and China, countries that are now providing the tropical dictator with the fighter aircraft and other equipment he needs to bolster his military.

At the same time, Chavez tries to build world alliances with countries that share his antipathy towards the United States. That explains his friendship with Ahmadinejad. Even though Iran is viewed as a rogue state by many in the international community, Chavez has promised that Venezuela will come to their defense if need be. That is why the acquisition of a Belarusian anti-aircraft missile system of Russian technology plays the strategic role he claims. Besides intimidating neighbor countries, that system intends to dissuade any potential U.S. military action against Venezuela.

On the economic side, Chavez is expropriating American oil companies and giving those concessions to Belarusian firms , with the purpose of making the U.S. energy supply dependent on its archenemies; Chavez and Lukashenko.  In addition, if we take seriously the rumors that Venezuela is supplying uranium for the Iranian nuclear project, Chavez’ dreams of glory could pose a real threat to the western hemisphere.

Jose Noguera obtained a Ph.D. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo. He currently teaches and conducts research on macroeconomics, political economy and development with the rank of Associate Professor at the Whittemore School of the University of New Hampshire. He has also been appointed at Michigan State University, CERGE-EI (Prague, Czech Republic), University of Warsaw, Central University of Venezuela and Mohila Academy University of Kiev.

A dangerous dance in Colombia

The Colombian government has invited Venezuela’s President, Hugo Chavez to mediate the FARC conflict in the hope of achieving a "humanitarian accord;" the euphemism for swapping approximately 40 hostages in exchange for an estimated 350 mid-level convicted FARC representatives, mostly captured in violent clashes with the Colombian army. The mutual intentions of the two governments have not always been particularly benign. The diplomatic move coincides with ostensible snubbing of Uribe in the U.S. Congress combined with diplomatic pressure from a newly elected French President, Nicolas Sarkozy. 

The Democratic majority in the Congress, who follow their intuition when blocking free trade deals, have stalled the ratification of the signed free trade agreement with a government presiding over Colombia’s recovering, almost surging economy. It is fair to say that the Democrats deserve credit for pushing the necessary purge of Colombia’s forces, eliminating officers with ties to the right wing paramilitary, but the important human rights "score points" at home might come at a high cost, alienating the closest U.S. ally in the Andean region. 

Additional cuts in "Plan Colombia" will reflect in the army’s future capabilities and may shift the military advantages in favor of the FARC.  Since the United States is Colombia’s largest trading partner, the stalled ratification might hamper further increase in foreign investment, partially based on the expectations of better market access for Colombian goods.  The seduction of protectionism in the Congress is likely to damage a successful example of a market oriented economy which is heavily challenged by a reversion to "21st century socialism."  

In contrast, the Colombian government received support from Canada which has taken a more pragmatic stand on development and is moving towards a separate trade agreement with Colombia.  Canadian President, Steven Harper, completed a visit to Canada’s third largest South American export market, lauding Uribe’s measurable successes in improving security and recommending free trade as a tool for sustainable economic development. However, Canada will never be able to replace the United States market.  

The failure to reach a Free Trade Agreement has slightly lowered Uribe’s overwhelming popularity, since he has always pushed for the FTA against domestic resistance.  The feeling of humiliation emanating from Washington might have influenced the government to recalibrate its regional relations.  In this regard, Uribe has recently called on Hugo Chavez to mediate the FARC conflict, brokering a deal to swap prominent hostages like the former presidential candidate, Ingrid Betancourt.  Since the FARC insists on the creation of a demilitarized zone, prior to any negotiations, the government has picked up the Venezuelan offer to mediate the negotiations.

The FARC lost considerable influence over the last years after being pushed back deep into the jungle by determined and sometimes harsh military measures and is now in a weakened position.  The creation of a demilitarized zone has met with consistent objections from the Colombian government. In the past, the demilitarized zone provided fertile territory for violence for paramilitary and guerilla activity.  Some seven years ago, when the FARC took most of the current hostages and controlled an estimated 40 % of the country’s territory, there already was a demilitarized zone.  A good number of atrocities from left and right wing paramilitary forces took place in the power vacuum and allowed the recruitment of many fighters.  It helped create the largest number of Latin American internally displaced persons.  Cuts in "Plan Colombia" and the failure in Washington to ratify the FTA probably was an impetus in convincing the government to request help from a dangerous power broker.  

Colombian representatives have frequently accused Venezuela of harboring and supporting FARC terrorists. The Granda affair only seemed to confirm that Venezuela’s connections to the FARC exceed sheer toleration. Rodrigo Granda, a prominent FARC leader, was able to attend a conference in Venezuela, in December 2004, despite being a sought-after criminal in Colombia.  After being seized by Colombians on Venezuelan territory has now been released and has left for Cuba.   This is mainly due to massive French diplomatic pressure.  Sarkozy is now interested in liberating Ingrid Betancourt who holds French/Colombian dual citizenship.  Ms. Betancourt, the former Colombian presidential candidate was kidnapped by the FARC because she journeyed into their territory despite warnings from the Colombian authorities not to do so.

 

Uribe won his first term by advocating a hard-line strategy against the FARC, as opposed to the failed negotiations of his predecessor, Andres Pastrana.  If Colombia reenters talks now, it can do so from a position of strength, more so now than at any time before.  The negotiations are now supported by the majority of Colombians, within a climate of general "normalization."

Needless to say, Chavez immediately jumped on this opportunity to mediate between the two sides. What better stage is there for the leader of a Pan-Andean movement than to broker a deal in a neighboring state; at a time when some analysts already saw him past his zenith: the RCTV scandal has finally scarred his image among the human rights activists, mainly in Europe.  The Brazilian legislature shows reluctance to ratify Venezuela’s MERCOSUR membership and the announcement by Chavez to institutionalize his persona together with the "Bolivarian revolution" indefinitely, has been met with criticism even inside his own camp.  Besides, there is no better opportunity to loosen the close U.S. Colombian alliance than exploiting the current disappointment in Bogotá.  Chavez might have some leverage over the FARC and is almost more respected than is appropriate for a mediator between a regular government and a faction, widely recognized as a terrorist organization. "Commandante," Raúl Reyes, a senior FARC representative hailed Chavez’ initiative and called him a "leader of outstanding importance on the continent."  Reyes commands the "Southern Block" of the FARC operating in the jungle region along the Ecuadorian border.  During the same interview with the Mexican newspaper, "La Jornada," he admitted to knowing the Venezuelan president personally.

 

Using Chavez as the mediator might come with further diplomatic costs for Colombia, however: Chavez announced that his involvement might also be an opportunity to settle the pending border dispute over the potentially energy rich Gulf of Guajira.  It is hard to imagine, in this context, that Colombia would not be forced to make some concessions over the disputed areas.  

Chavez’s ties to the FARC might almost be too good; but he undoubtedly has some leverage over the guerillas and is a person they trust. An agreement to resume negotiations with the guerillas represents a 180 degree shift in Colombian policy but they might have their own calculus. If the talks fail, this could be blamed on Chavez, satisfying the general desire for negotiations without giving the blame to Uribe. A favorable deal would benefit the Colombians in substance, since any alleviation of this endemic conflict will benefit the whole country ending the domestic paralyzing situation. At least, the French demands for negotiations would be met. The move might also be a hint to the U.S. Congress, conveying the idea that Colombia is not invariably bound to the U.S. alliance in its foreign affairs nor that its allegiance can be taken for granted.  Better relations with Venezuela will also alleviate the antagonism of the majority of left leaning governments in the Andean region.

 

However, it is a risky move inviting a political rival into the most vulnerable Colombian sphere, as the ongoing conflict has been Colombia’s Achilles heel for decades. Chavez is not just antagonistic to prosperous market oriented capitalism and liberal democracy but towards everything that Uribe stands for, especially his strong alliance with the United States and his backing of Plan Colombia.  Chavez has been underestimated on many accounts and tends to be cleverer than competitors and opponents assumed.  It is clear to many observers that while Chavez’s short term goal is to elevate his image in the eyes of his countrymen, his overall aim is to strengthen the FARC and to weaken the Uribe government.  The mediation might deliver a two-edged result; getting a favorable hostage deal for the government – difficult to reject – but providing the FARC an urgently needed breathing space for rearmament in a demilitarized zone. After all, the Colombian move has been an official invitation to mingle in Colombian affairs and might bear more risks than are now perceived.  

A dangerous dance in Colombia

The Colombian government has invited Venezuela’s President, Hugo Chavez to mediate the FARC conflict in the hope of achieving a "humanitarian accord" to swap approximately 40 hostages in exchange for an estimated 350 mid-level convicted FARC representatives. The mutual intentions of the two governments have not always been particularly benign. The diplomatic move coincides with ostensible snubbing of Uribe in the U.S. Congress combined with diplomatic pressure from a newly elected French President. But Chavez’s might deliver a two-edged result for Colombia. Analysis and implications.

NEWS:

  • Bolivia and Iran Forge Diplomatic Links.
  • Guatemala: Electoral Runoff.
  • Peru: Trade Agreement with the U.S. closer.  Lima rejects opening of ALBA offices.  Poll: Alan Garcia’s Approval Rating increases in Peru, Ollanta Humala not as Popular.  Congressmen and Ministers want new and stronger NGO law.  Mining referendum: emotions running high in northern Peru, "Chavistas" involved.
  • Mexico Investigates Pemex blasts.  Claims that Chavez is behind it.
  • Panama:  Noriega Remains in U.S. Custody after Prison Term Ends.
  • Venezuela and Bolivia deals include iron joint venture. Chavez: Venezuela to launch defense satellite.
  • Bodies of FARC hostages recovered.  Chavez offer on FARC is rejected.
  • Ecuador’s Correa says Congress should be dissolved.  Correa threatens not to renew TV station license.
  • Brazil: Senate Leader Absolved Of Corruption Charges.
  • 14 candidates register for Argentina’s presidential vote.  Shell’s Argentine refinery to reopen Tuesday.
  • Colombia’s biggest drug lord caught.

View the full version of the Americas Report (PDF)

 

For any questions, comments, or those interested in receiving this report in the future or seeking to have their email removed from our list please contact Nicole M. Ferrand at our new e-mail address: mengesproject@centerforsecuritypolicy.org. If you have news stories that you think might be useful for future editions of this report please send them, with a link to the original website, to the same e-mail address. If you wish to contribute with an article, please send it to the same address, with your name and place of work or study.

The Chavez & Kirchner suitcase scandal

 

Early on the morning of Saturday August 4th 2007, a Cessna plane 750 X with license N 5113 S, property of "Royalclass" company arrived at Buenos Aires’ Newberry airport (Aeroparque) in Argentina. The aircraft had taken off from Maiquetía international airport near Caracas, Venezuela and landed in Buenos Aires two days before an official visit by Chávez . The passengers on the plane were seven Argentine and Venezuelan oil officials. Some of them had been in Caracas negotiating the bond and gas plant deals. When having to pass through Customs, most of the passengers made it without problems, except one, Venezuelan/American, Guido Antonini Wilson who told authorities that his briefcase was full of "books". When searched, officials found it was stuffed with $790,550 in non-declared unmarked $50 bills. [1]

The Argentinian Justice has confirmed the names of the people aboard the aircraft that landed in Buenos Aires:

  • Guido Alejandro Antonini Wilson. Mr. Wilson left for Montevideo 24 hours later. The FBI has located him in his residence in Miami, sources told Argentinian daily newspaper La Nación. To this date he has not been arrested. [2]
  • Claudio Uberti , director of the government agency which controls the freeway concessions (OCCOVI) in Argentina, a close contact of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Juan Mussa, a Peronist leader who was present at the time has denounced that Mr. Uberti threatened the customs agents not to check Antonini’s suitcase.
  • Ezequiel Espinosa, president of ENARSA, Argentina’s state Oil and Gas Company.
  • Victoria Bereziuk, a young employee of ENARSA, secretary of Ezequiel Espinosa who has been romantically linked to President Nestor Kirchner.
  • Daniel Uzcateguy Speech, son of vice president of PDVSA in Argentina. He supposedly invited Antonini Wilson to board the plane.

Another person under investigation for being connected to the people in the airplane is Julio De Vido, the Minister of Federal Planning, Kirchner’s right hand. [3]

There are many peculiarities regarding this incident. First of all, authorities learned that the plane had been chartered by ENARSA at a cost of $90,000 . The purpose of the flight to and from Caracas was to discuss the building of pipelines. On its way to Venezuela, Espinosa, Uberti and Victoria Beresiuk were on board to discuss the above mentioned agreements. Representatives of the company stated they chartered the plane "because there were not many convenient flights to Caracas". ENARSA was created three years ago by President Kirchner. [4]

A day later the plane arrived in Aeroparque at 2:30 AM when the airport is normally closed. Usually, international flights do not land at Aeroparque but at Ezeiza International Airport. A special order was necessary to open the airport to receive the flight from Venezuela and to arrange for customs officials to be present. It took those officials three days before the incident was reported to the Justice Ministry.

According to official reports, the group, except Antonini Wilson who claimed to be a businessman and was briefly detained at Aeroparque, left the airport after picking up their luggage and passing through immigration. The only one that waited for Wilson was Daniel Uzcateguy Speech, son of the vice president of PDVSA Argentina who at the time claimed to be a nephew of Antonini. [5]

After customs officers confiscated the cash, they let Wilson go. The cash was deposited in a government account in Banco de la Nación, Argentina’s Central Bank. Customs stated publicly that at any time the Venezuelans wanted to, they can come and pick up $400,000 and go since the fine for a "customs infraction" is 50% of the total amount. As of today, no one has appeared to claim the cash. [6]

An Argentinean TV station, America TV, has revealed declarations from the officers who stopped Antonini Wilson. These statements were then given to Prosecutor Luz Rivas Diez. One airport security officer said Antonini had confessed having a meeting with Hugo Chavez where he was informed about the flight to Argentina. Wilson said he had no time to gather winter clothes because when he arrived in Caracas from Miami, he had to go to a meeting with President Chavez and there he was advised about the trip. [7]

The first judge assigned to investigate the case, Marta Novatti, resigned saying she was being harassed by Ricardo Echegaray, the director of Customs who reportedly is a big supporter of Kirchner. Novatti said that she has been subjected to a climate of "moral violence." [8] In addition, sources say that there were several "errors" with the paperwork related to the bust, which may make it difficult to convict Antonini Wilson. Even more unusual, the official report states that Antonini never tried to hide what was in his bag, so customs is considering the incident a "luggage infraction" and not a crime. [9]

Who is Guido Antonini Wilson?

Guido Antonini Wilson is 46 years old and is a partner in the Venezuelan Oil Company, VENOCO, together with Carlos Kauffman. Mr. Kauffman is a well known entrepreneur with very close ties to the Chavez Regime.  Wilson and Kauffman reportedly carry badges from the Venezuelan Intelligence Agency, DISIP. [10] In addition, Antonini has a company in Venezuela dedicated to the "sale, distribution, and import and export of military and police armament" called "Defensa y Tecnología." He has attended preliminary negotiations for Chávez-Kirchner agreements on energy and finance, which were also attended by Claudio Uberti. Wilson has an exclusive condo in Ocean Club, Key Biscayne, Florida and his name is linked to other companies in southern Florida, such as Venuz Supply Inc., Intertel Telecom and Techmilk Inc. Venezuelan public records show he is registered to vote at the Venezuelan consulate in Miami. [11]

Luis Ignacio Planas, secretary-general of the opposition Copei party of Venezuela, claimed that there is a "serious" direct link between President Hugo Chávez and businessman, Guido Antonini. "The President of the Republic was aware of the money that would be brought into Argentina and – even worse – he instructed Antonini to take that money to Buenos Aires," said Planas. The opposition leader prompted a query about the intended use of the cash and wondered if it would back political activities in other countries, such as the presidential campaign of Cristina Kirchner in Argentina. [12]

Who is Claudio Uberti?

Claudio Uberti is an Argentinean and the director of a government agency that since November, 2003 controls all freeway concessions (OCCOVI) and is in charge of collecting the fees on every toll booth of every road, highway and bridge in the country. OCCOVI has become extremely important since it manages millions of dollars. Uberti is a trusted official and personal friend of the Minister of Planning, Julio De Vido, Kirchner’s right hand man. Uberti was present at every single agreement signing between the Argentinian Government and Hugo Chavez and Minister De Vido is behind all contacts of the Argentinian government with Venezuela. [13]

Elisa Carrió , who is now running for president in Argentina, remembered that in 2004, two congress members from the " Afirmación para una República Igualitaria" (ARI) party, Adrián Pérez and Fabiana Ríos denounced Uberti, claiming he collected illegal money for the Presidential campaign of Néstor Kirchner. [14]

The Argentinean Government’s Response

After two days of strict orders not to inform the press, Kirchner waited for Chávez to leave the country and then ordered the people involved in the scandal to prepare a written statement of what happened. ENARSA issued the communiqué denying any links with the cash. Planning Minister Julio De Vido said Uberti was asked to resign because he made a "mistake" by permitting Antonini to board the plane . Uberti agreed to step down. De Vido must have known about the illegal transfer, since those familiar with the Kirchner regime say that nothing happens without De Vido’s approval. [15]

Kirchner defended his administration, vowing to get to the bottom of events. "I don’t cover anything up. When something happens, the people find out as they should find out and we take the corresponding measures," he said. Senator Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is the front-runner to succeed her husband in the Oct. 28th presidential election. But the scandal prompted opposition candidate Roberto Lavagna and others to call for a full investigation. Mr. Kirchner’s chief of staff, Alberto Fernández, "asked" Venezuelans to apologize for the incident, saying that Argentina had "done everything that it needed to do;" but his plea fell on deaf ears since Venezuela has denied any involvement whatsoever. [16] Former "piquetero" Luis D’Elía, who refers to Hugo Chávez as "Compañero" (comrade), a former Kirchner official whose leftist group is rumored to be financed by Chávez, said that "the bagman was planted by the CIA" to hurt the Kirchner-Chávez relationship. [17]

PDVSA Argentina has denied any connection with Antonini Wilson. However, news reports in Argentina and Uruguay claimed that Antonini Wilson’s hotel bills and other expenses in Montevideo had been paid for by the Venezuelan oil company, PDVSA. A warrant has been issued for Wilson’s arrest by an Argentine court and Prosecutor Luz Rivas Diez said she wants to have him detained so he can answer questions about the cash. Critics of the Argentine first couple said the incident proves that Chavez is buying the support of the Kirchner government. [18]

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, they have already notified the Federal Police, via Interpol, that Antonini was apprised of a bench warrant issued by an Argentinian judge. Antonini cannot leave the United States or his home. On September 1st 2007, Argentina’s ministry of Foreign Relations formally requested Antonini’s extradition. [19] Some analysts remain skeptical this will actually occur. Others believe that this is a tactic to distract the public.

Cristina Kirchner apparently reacted violently after the suitcase incident was revealed. It is reported that she even broke three glasses yelling at her husband which prompted the intervention of some of the people present. Sources close to the government say Mrs. Kirchner’s outburst is understandable considering that this episode could damage her reputation and her chances of winning the election. But what left witnesses confused was that she seemed to be extremely upset by the presence of Victoria Bereziuk in the flight because of her closeness to President Kirchner. [20]

PDVSA’s Preferential Treatment in Argentina

The public was astounded to learn that PDVSA flights have enjoyed an incredible privilege in Argentina. PDVSA passengers are allowed to land in the military area at the Metropolitan airport, an area reserved for official planes. While customs and migration requirements are fulfilled, the luggage is not thoroughly controlled or scanned. If it were not for the suitcase scandal, the preferential treatment conferred on PDVSA flights and passengers would sure continue. Based on sources that are well acquainted with the airport traffic, "over the past few months, at least eights flights of PDVSA have landed in the military area." [21]

The Chavez’s Regime Response

Roberto Hernández, vice president of Venezuela’s lower house, said President Chávez "doesn’t have to say sorry" to anyone because the cash found on Antonini was a personal matter. Petróleos de Venezuela (Pdvsa) issued a press release reporting the resignation of Diego Uzcátegui Mateus as managing director of the Pdvsa unit in Argentina. Uzcátegui’s decision to quit was accepted "in order to facilitate the investigation." It is important to note that Venezuelan law prohibits carrying more than US$10,000 in cash and such a sum should have been declared upon leaving. [22] Average citizens find it harder than ever to get hold of any foreign currency.

Conclusions

The warrant against Antonini, who happens to hold U.S. citizenship, is particularly important because of his links to Hugo Chávez and various high ranking Argentinian officials. In addition, the incident occurred just a few months before the presidential election in Argentina. The good news is that Argentinian Customs functioned despite pressure from influential passengers. Uberti’s interference, however, suggests the complicity of some other passengers. There is reason to believe that this has not been the first cash transfer and that we are talking about cash smuggling on a larger scale.

Andrés Oppenheimer of the Miami Herald argues that the money could have been intended for the campaign of first lady Cristina Kirchner or for pro-Chávez groups such as D’Elía’s, "piquetero" movement or may be a kickback to Argentine government officials for a business deal.  The first option seems rather unlikely, despite what appears to be incriminating evidence, since the Kirchners would presumably be too prudent to topple a successful campaign by accepting any illegal assistance through Chavez linked representatives. The latter possibility is much more likely, though. The Venezuelan government has a track record of subsidizing politically close clients, thus increasing their stakes in Latin American neighbor states and influencing the policy of local decision makers in their favor; through financed proxies.   This is the plausible pattern of a financially well equipped, aspiring hegemon.  

Others say that the money could be a bribe for ENARSA because if it had been clean, it would have been done by wire transfer. This could be true, since Venezuela tries to get constant Latin American customers for the future, a future where the US might consider other sellers. The Venezuelan government has been well instructed by the Russian example as to how to exercise influence in Eastern and Western Europe. The idea that Latin America needs Chavez like Europe needs Putin is quite tempting for a leader whose aspirations are clearly bigger than his country. Circumstantial evidence, such as the aforementioned prior meeting between Antonini and Chavez might be pointing in this direction.

Another possibility might just be that some renegade PDVSA officials wanted to get some cash out of the party, creating personal reserves for a foreseeable end of the Venezuelan bonanza. Following Antonini’s fate upon his return to Venezuela might give some hints as to whether that might be true.   

It remains to be seen if the people involved can reveal more details of this bizarre affair when the investigation begins. Regardless, analysts have been arguing for months now that Chavez has spent millions of dollars trying to influence elections in several countries, such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua and there have been widespread opposition claims that pro-Chávez candidates had received suitcases filled with cash from Venezuela. These allegations have been denied by the parties involved. But the Antonini case demonstrates clearly how Venezuelans are trying to influence other countries’ political life, and about how it spreads its massive corruption to countries in the region. [23]

  1. El trámite que desató el escándalo. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  2. Antonini Wilson presumably found in Miami. August 28, 2007. El Universal.
  3. Ibid.
  4. Involucra al Gobierno el caso de la valija con dólares. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  5. El trámite que desató el escándalo. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  6. Involucra al Gobierno el caso de la valija con dólares. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  7. COPEI denuncia vinculación directa entre Chávez y Antonini. August 20, 2007.
  8. Se apartó la jueza y el caso se demora. August 11, 2007. Diario Clarín, Argentina.
  9. Errores más que notorios. August 15, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  10. Un millonario con lazos políticos y fama de aventurero. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  11. La sombra de la corrupción: aparece en 4 empresas registradas en Florida. Aug. 11, 2007. Diario Clarín, Argentina.
  12. COPEI exige investigar la presunta conexión. August 21, 2007. El Universal, Venezuela.
  13. El misterioso señor de los peajes. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  14. Críticas de la oposición por la situación de Uberti. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  15. Public prosecutor applies for international arrest of Antonini Wilson. August 14, 2007. El Universal, Venezuela.
  16. Niega Kirchner vínculo con caso dólares. August 11, 2007. El Universal, Mexico.
  17. Suitcase of cash shows Chávez’s ways. August 16, 2007. Miami Herald. By Andres Oppenheimer.
  18. Argentina wants to arrest Venezuelan businessman. August 15, 2007. Miami Herald.
  19. Cancillería envió a los EEUU el pedido de extradición del venezolano Antonini Wilson. Sept, 1st, 2007. Infobae.
  20. Secretaria de alto vuelo. August 18, 2007. Revista "Noticias," Argentina.
  21. Oscuros privilegios de Pdvsa. August 23, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  22. Pdvsa VP resignation confirmed. August 18, 2007. El Universal, Venezuela.
  23. Oppenheimer, Ibid.

The Chavez & Kirchner suitcase scandal

 

Early on the morning of Saturday August 4th 2007, a Cessna plane 750 X with license N 5113 S, property of "Royalclass" company arrived at Buenos Aires’ Newberry airport (Aeroparque) in Argentina. The aircraft had taken off from Maiquetía international airport near Caracas, Venezuela and landed in Buenos Aires two days before an official visit by Chávez . The passengers on the plane were seven Argentine and Venezuelan oil officials. Some of them had been in Caracas negotiating the bond and gas plant deals. When having to pass through Customs, most of the passengers made it without problems, except one, Venezuelan/American, Guido Antonini Wilson who told authorities that his briefcase was full of "books". When searched, officials found it was stuffed with $790,550 in non-declared unmarked $50 bills. [1]

The Argentinian Justice has confirmed the names of the people aboard the aircraft that landed in Buenos Aires:

  • Guido Alejandro Antonini Wilson. Mr. Wilson left for Montevideo 24 hours later. The FBI has located him in his residence in Miami, sources told Argentinian daily newspaper La Nación. To this date he has not been arrested. [2]
  • Claudio Uberti , director of the government agency which controls the freeway concessions (OCCOVI) in Argentina, a close contact of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez. Juan Mussa, a Peronist leader who was present at the time has denounced that Mr. Uberti threatened the customs agents not to check Antonini’s suitcase.
  • Ezequiel Espinosa, president of ENARSA, Argentina’s state Oil and Gas Company.
  • Victoria Bereziuk, a young employee of ENARSA, secretary of Ezequiel Espinosa who has been romantically linked to President Nestor Kirchner.
  • Daniel Uzcateguy Speech, son of vice president of PDVSA in Argentina. He supposedly invited Antonini Wilson to board the plane.

Another person under investigation for being connected to the people in the airplane is Julio De Vido, the Minister of Federal Planning, Kirchner’s right hand. [3]

There are many peculiarities regarding this incident. First of all, authorities learned that the plane had been chartered by ENARSA at a cost of $90,000 . The purpose of the flight to and from Caracas was to discuss the building of pipelines. On its way to Venezuela, Espinosa, Uberti and Victoria Beresiuk were on board to discuss the above mentioned agreements. Representatives of the company stated they chartered the plane "because there were not many convenient flights to Caracas". ENARSA was created three years ago by President Kirchner. [4]

A day later the plane arrived in Aeroparque at 2:30 AM when the airport is normally closed. Usually, international flights do not land at Aeroparque but at Ezeiza International Airport. A special order was necessary to open the airport to receive the flight from Venezuela and to arrange for customs officials to be present. It took those officials three days before the incident was reported to the Justice Ministry.

According to official reports, the group, except Antonini Wilson who claimed to be a businessman and was briefly detained at Aeroparque, left the airport after picking up their luggage and passing through immigration. The only one that waited for Wilson was Daniel Uzcateguy Speech, son of the vice president of PDVSA Argentina who at the time claimed to be a nephew of Antonini. [5]

After customs officers confiscated the cash, they let Wilson go. The cash was deposited in a government account in Banco de la Nación, Argentina’s Central Bank. Customs stated publicly that at any time the Venezuelans wanted to, they can come and pick up $400,000 and go since the fine for a "customs infraction" is 50% of the total amount. As of today, no one has appeared to claim the cash. [6]

An Argentinean TV station, America TV, has revealed declarations from the officers who stopped Antonini Wilson. These statements were then given to Prosecutor Luz Rivas Diez. One airport security officer said Antonini had confessed having a meeting with Hugo Chavez where he was informed about the flight to Argentina. Wilson said he had no time to gather winter clothes because when he arrived in Caracas from Miami, he had to go to a meeting with President Chavez and there he was advised about the trip. [7]

The first judge assigned to investigate the case, Marta Novatti, resigned saying she was being harassed by Ricardo Echegaray, the director of Customs who reportedly is a big supporter of Kirchner. Novatti said that she has been subjected to a climate of "moral violence." [8] In addition, sources say that there were several "errors" with the paperwork related to the bust, which may make it difficult to convict Antonini Wilson. Even more unusual, the official report states that Antonini never tried to hide what was in his bag, so customs is considering the incident a "luggage infraction" and not a crime. [9]

Who is Guido Antonini Wilson?

Guido Antonini Wilson is 46 years old and is a partner in the Venezuelan Oil Company, VENOCO, together with Carlos Kauffman. Mr. Kauffman is a well known entrepreneur with very close ties to the Chavez Regime.  Wilson and Kauffman reportedly carry badges from the Venezuelan Intelligence Agency, DISIP. [10] In addition, Antonini has a company in Venezuela dedicated to the "sale, distribution, and import and export of military and police armament" called "Defensa y Tecnología." He has attended preliminary negotiations for Chávez-Kirchner agreements on energy and finance, which were also attended by Claudio Uberti. Wilson has an exclusive condo in Ocean Club, Key Biscayne, Florida and his name is linked to other companies in southern Florida, such as Venuz Supply Inc., Intertel Telecom and Techmilk Inc. Venezuelan public records show he is registered to vote at the Venezuelan consulate in Miami. [11]

Luis Ignacio Planas, secretary-general of the opposition Copei party of Venezuela, claimed that there is a "serious" direct link between President Hugo Chávez and businessman, Guido Antonini. "The President of the Republic was aware of the money that would be brought into Argentina and – even worse – he instructed Antonini to take that money to Buenos Aires," said Planas. The opposition leader prompted a query about the intended use of the cash and wondered if it would back political activities in other countries, such as the presidential campaign of Cristina Kirchner in Argentina. [12]

Who is Claudio Uberti?

Claudio Uberti is an Argentinean and the director of a government agency that since November, 2003 controls all freeway concessions (OCCOVI) and is in charge of collecting the fees on every toll booth of every road, highway and bridge in the country. OCCOVI has become extremely important since it manages millions of dollars. Uberti is a trusted official and personal friend of the Minister of Planning, Julio De Vido, Kirchner’s right hand man. Uberti was present at every single agreement signing between the Argentinian Government and Hugo Chavez and Minister De Vido is behind all contacts of the Argentinian government with Venezuela. [13]

Elisa Carrió , who is now running for president in Argentina, remembered that in 2004, two congress members from the " Afirmación para una República Igualitaria" (ARI) party, Adrián Pérez and Fabiana Ríos denounced Uberti, claiming he collected illegal money for the Presidential campaign of Néstor Kirchner. [14]

The Argentinean Government’s Response

After two days of strict orders not to inform the press, Kirchner waited for Chávez to leave the country and then ordered the people involved in the scandal to prepare a written statement of what happened. ENARSA issued the communiqué denying any links with the cash. Planning Minister Julio De Vido said Uberti was asked to resign because he made a "mistake" by permitting Antonini to board the plane . Uberti agreed to step down. De Vido must have known about the illegal transfer, since those familiar with the Kirchner regime say that nothing happens without De Vido’s approval. [15]

Kirchner defended his administration, vowing to get to the bottom of events. "I don’t cover anything up. When something happens, the people find out as they should find out and we take the corresponding measures," he said. Senator Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner is the front-runner to succeed her husband in the Oct. 28th presidential election. But the scandal prompted opposition candidate Roberto Lavagna and others to call for a full investigation. Mr. Kirchner’s chief of staff, Alberto Fernández, "asked" Venezuelans to apologize for the incident, saying that Argentina had "done everything that it needed to do;" but his plea fell on deaf ears since Venezuela has denied any involvement whatsoever. [16] Former "piquetero" Luis D’Elía, who refers to Hugo Chávez as "Compañero" (comrade), a former Kirchner official whose leftist group is rumored to be financed by Chávez, said that "the bagman was planted by the CIA" to hurt the Kirchner-Chávez relationship. [17]

PDVSA Argentina has denied any connection with Antonini Wilson. However, news reports in Argentina and Uruguay claimed that Antonini Wilson’s hotel bills and other expenses in Montevideo had been paid for by the Venezuelan oil company, PDVSA. A warrant has been issued for Wilson’s arrest by an Argentine court and Prosecutor Luz Rivas Diez said she wants to have him detained so he can answer questions about the cash. Critics of the Argentine first couple said the incident proves that Chavez is buying the support of the Kirchner government. [18]

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, they have already notified the Federal Police, via Interpol, that Antonini was apprised of a bench warrant issued by an Argentinian judge. Antonini cannot leave the United States or his home. On September 1st 2007, Argentina’s ministry of Foreign Relations formally requested Antonini’s extradition. [19] Some analysts remain skeptical this will actually occur. Others believe that this is a tactic to distract the public.

Cristina Kirchner apparently reacted violently after the suitcase incident was revealed. It is reported that she even broke three glasses yelling at her husband which prompted the intervention of some of the people present. Sources close to the government say Mrs. Kirchner’s outburst is understandable considering that this episode could damage her reputation and her chances of winning the election. But what left witnesses confused was that she seemed to be extremely upset by the presence of Victoria Bereziuk in the flight because of her closeness to President Kirchner. [20]

PDVSA’s Preferential Treatment in Argentina

The public was astounded to learn that PDVSA flights have enjoyed an incredible privilege in Argentina. PDVSA passengers are allowed to land in the military area at the Metropolitan airport, an area reserved for official planes. While customs and migration requirements are fulfilled, the luggage is not thoroughly controlled or scanned. If it were not for the suitcase scandal, the preferential treatment conferred on PDVSA flights and passengers would sure continue. Based on sources that are well acquainted with the airport traffic, "over the past few months, at least eights flights of PDVSA have landed in the military area." [21]

The Chavez’s Regime Response

Roberto Hernández, vice president of Venezuela’s lower house, said President Chávez "doesn’t have to say sorry" to anyone because the cash found on Antonini was a personal matter. Petróleos de Venezuela (Pdvsa) issued a press release reporting the resignation of Diego Uzcátegui Mateus as managing director of the Pdvsa unit in Argentina. Uzcátegui’s decision to quit was accepted "in order to facilitate the investigation." It is important to note that Venezuelan law prohibits carrying more than US$10,000 in cash and such a sum should have been declared upon leaving. [22] Average citizens find it harder than ever to get hold of any foreign currency.

Conclusions

The warrant against Antonini, who happens to hold U.S. citizenship, is particularly important because of his links to Hugo Chávez and various high ranking Argentinian officials. In addition, the incident occurred just a few months before the presidential election in Argentina. The good news is that Argentinian Customs functioned despite pressure from influential passengers. Uberti’s interference, however, suggests the complicity of some other passengers. There is reason to believe that this has not been the first cash transfer and that we are talking about cash smuggling on a larger scale.

Andrés Oppenheimer of the Miami Herald argues that the money could have been intended for the campaign of first lady Cristina Kirchner or for pro-Chávez groups such as D’Elía’s, "piquetero" movement or may be a kickback to Argentine government officials for a business deal.  The first option seems rather unlikely, despite what appears to be incriminating evidence, since the Kirchners would presumably be too prudent to topple a successful campaign by accepting any illegal assistance through Chavez linked representatives. The latter possibility is much more likely, though. The Venezuelan government has a track record of subsidizing politically close clients, thus increasing their stakes in Latin American neighbor states and influencing the policy of local decision makers in their favor; through financed proxies.   This is the plausible pattern of a financially well equipped, aspiring hegemon.  

Others say that the money could be a bribe for ENARSA because if it had been clean, it would have been done by wire transfer. This could be true, since Venezuela tries to get constant Latin American customers for the future, a future where the US might consider other sellers. The Venezuelan government has been well instructed by the Russian example as to how to exercise influence in Eastern and Western Europe. The idea that Latin America needs Chavez like Europe needs Putin is quite tempting for a leader whose aspirations are clearly bigger than his country. Circumstantial evidence, such as the aforementioned prior meeting between Antonini and Chavez might be pointing in this direction.

Another possibility might just be that some renegade PDVSA officials wanted to get some cash out of the party, creating personal reserves for a foreseeable end of the Venezuelan bonanza. Following Antonini’s fate upon his return to Venezuela might give some hints as to whether that might be true.   

It remains to be seen if the people involved can reveal more details of this bizarre affair when the investigation begins. Regardless, analysts have been arguing for months now that Chavez has spent millions of dollars trying to influence elections in several countries, such as Bolivia, Ecuador and Nicaragua and there have been widespread opposition claims that pro-Chávez candidates had received suitcases filled with cash from Venezuela. These allegations have been denied by the parties involved. But the Antonini case demonstrates clearly how Venezuelans are trying to influence other countries’ political life, and about how it spreads its massive corruption to countries in the region. [23]

  1. El trámite que desató el escándalo. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  2. Antonini Wilson presumably found in Miami. August 28, 2007. El Universal.
  3. Ibid.
  4. Involucra al Gobierno el caso de la valija con dólares. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  5. El trámite que desató el escándalo. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  6. Involucra al Gobierno el caso de la valija con dólares. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  7. COPEI denuncia vinculación directa entre Chávez y Antonini. August 20, 2007.
  8. Se apartó la jueza y el caso se demora. August 11, 2007. Diario Clarín, Argentina.
  9. Errores más que notorios. August 15, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  10. Un millonario con lazos políticos y fama de aventurero. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  11. La sombra de la corrupción: aparece en 4 empresas registradas en Florida. Aug. 11, 2007. Diario Clarín, Argentina.
  12. COPEI exige investigar la presunta conexión. August 21, 2007. El Universal, Venezuela.
  13. El misterioso señor de los peajes. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  14. Críticas de la oposición por la situación de Uberti. August 9, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  15. Public prosecutor applies for international arrest of Antonini Wilson. August 14, 2007. El Universal, Venezuela.
  16. Niega Kirchner vínculo con caso dólares. August 11, 2007. El Universal, Mexico.
  17. Suitcase of cash shows Chávez’s ways. August 16, 2007. Miami Herald. By Andres Oppenheimer.
  18. Argentina wants to arrest Venezuelan businessman. August 15, 2007. Miami Herald.
  19. Cancillería envió a los EEUU el pedido de extradición del venezolano Antonini Wilson. Sept, 1st, 2007. Infobae.
  20. Secretaria de alto vuelo. August 18, 2007. Revista "Noticias," Argentina.
  21. Oscuros privilegios de Pdvsa. August 23, 2007. Diario La Nación, Argentina.
  22. Pdvsa VP resignation confirmed. August 18, 2007. El Universal, Venezuela.
  23. Oppenheimer, Ibid.

The Chavez & Kirchner suitcase scandal

On August 4, 2007, a Cessna plane property of "Royalclass" company arrived at Buenos Aires’ Newberry airport (Aeroparque) in Argentina. The passengers on the plane were seven Argentine and Venezuelan oil officials. Some of them had been in Caracas negotiating the bond and gas plant deals. When having to pass through Customs, most of the passengers made it without problems, except one, Venezuelan/American, Guido Antonini Wilson who told authorities that his briefcase was full of "books". When searched, officials found it was stuffed with $790,550 in non-declared unmarked $50 bills. An analysis of Wilson’s connections with some Argentinian officials and Hugo Chavez. PDVSA’s involvement.

Articulo: "El escándalo del maletín: los lazos entre Kirchner y Chávez se estrechan."

En la madrugada del Sábado 4 de Agosto del 2007, un avión Cessna propiedad de "Royalclass" aterrizó en Aeroparque, en la ciudad de Buenos Aires. Los pasajeros abordo eran siete ciudadanos entre Argentinos y Venezolanos algunos de los cuales habían estado en Caracas negociando el acuerdo de la instalación de una planta conversora de gas anunciado por el presidente Hugo Chávez. Al pasar por aduanas, casi todos los pasajeros lo hicieron sin problemas excepto el Venezolano/Americano Guido Antonini Wilson ya que cuando su valija pasó por el escáner se descubrió que contenía US $790,550 sin declarar. Análisis de las conexiones de Wilson con algunos altos oficiales del gobierno Argentino y Hugo Chávez. La participación de PDVSA en el caso.     

NEWS:

  • Chile and Japan sign Free Trade Agreement. Chile: inflation rises at fastest rate in six years.
  • Petrobras to start works in bilateral refinery with no agreement with Venezuela.
  • Chávez to solve with Uribe territorial dispute. Venezuela frees Colombians prisoners.   Venezuela : Chavez says he could govern until 2027. Chavez to meet with FARC leader. Iranian President to visit Venezuela. Iran requests ALBA observer status. Venezuelan Constitutional Reform in Gear.
  • Peru and China to sign Free Trade Agreement. Peru Hopes for Normal Links with Chile. Peru grants asylum to Venezuelan union leader.
  • Protests escalate in Bolivia.
  • Mexico reasserts willingness to resume ties with Venezuela.
  • Ecuador House Asks for OAS Aid.
  • Argentina and Cuba to Boost Cooperation.

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Peru’s reaction to Venezuelan intervention

On July 26 2007 "The Americas Report" ran an article entitled: "Chávez’s dangerous intervention in Perú" which described the massive protests that were occurring in different regions of Peru that reached extreme violence due to the infiltration of terrorist groups such as "Shining Path," "Patria Roja" and others.

Although some of the demands of the population are legitimate, analysts are convinced that the demonstrations are being promoted by Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez. Peru’s Prime minister, Jorge del Castillo, even declared that followers of President Chávez, especially in Puno, are internally interfering with Peru’s government in an attempt to weaken the Garcia regime.

In addition, we described Chavez’s intent on pressuring Peru into joining an alliance with Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia and Nicaragua called the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA), which Chavez bills as an alternative to U.S. free trade agreements. "ALBA is an organization made up of four countries (Venezuela, Cuba, Nicaragua and Bolivia). I don’t think they can make an NGO work. I think that it’s not ethical for them to just come in here and tomorrow say we are going to open an office in Perú boosted by Caracas. " del Castillo said, [1] adding that Venezuela is actually meddling in Peruvian affairs. Chávez has branded the office as "something merely symbolic, for the time being." To this, the Peruvian Prime Minister responded: "Whether symbolic or not, it is meddling. In this way, with a little bit of sand, a beach is being formed. Afterwards they will get the beachhead and then will enter the country." [2]

We, at "The Americas Report" decided to talk to specialists in this subject to see what legal measures could be used against this overt intervention of Hugo Chavez in Peruvian internal affairs. A prominent Peruvian lawyer, who prefers to stay in anonymity, gave us an insight of what the Garc í a regime is doing in this regard.  

In recent days, the Central government has learnt that local organized groups favoring the government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez opened six offices of ALBA both in Lima and several provinces . Newspaper "La República" noted that the agencies started operations in the urban districts of Callao, Santa Rosa and Los Olivos, as well as in the Andean regions of Junín, Huancavelica and Puno. The ALBA representative in Santa Rosa, Fernando Alvarado, told the daily that the office was established one month and a half ago, to take care of extremely poor people with vision disorders and provide training on leadership for small businesses. Alvarado, also a district leader for the "Partido Nacionalista Peruano" (PNP) of Ollanta Humala, explained that the Santa Rosa office was aimed at "improving the friendship ties with Venezuela and getting access to the humanitarian people’s network "Mission Miracle," an initiative of Cuba and Venezuela. "We do not receive money or have political purposes," Alvaro said, and explained that the office is set to act as liaison between the patients and the Venezuelan embassy for health care. [3]

On a radio show hosted by journalist César Hildebrandt, Del Castillo accurately pointed out the following: "Exact evidence of interference in Peruvian internal affairs by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez can be hardly found, but there is meddling indeed as part of "a whole strategic hemispheric move,"…"It is very difficult. One cannot say, ‘here the evidence goes.’ However, something really is going on, particularly strong suspicion of funding some people or political parties." [4]

According to Peru’s Chancellor, José Antonio García Belaúnde, the appearance of the ALBA offices and the help they are providing, will be investigated by the Peruvian International Cooperation Agency (APCI).

The importance of APCI

On December 8, 2006, members of the governing Aprista party passed a law that gave the Peruvian state more control over non-governmental organizations. Of the 2,100 registered NGOs in Peru, some 900 are active. Less than 1/3 receive "state aid" (are reimbursed for sales tax). However, between 2004 and 2005, NGO’s received nearly $500 million from international aid organizations. While their development can often go hand in hand with neo-liberal policies in poor countries, replacing public services and support mechanisms formerly provided by State Owned Enterprises, they can also support popular social movements. [5] 

The new law modifies and amplifies the activities and powers of the governmental Peruvian Agency for International Cooperation (APCI). According to the law, NGO’s have to register with the APCI, and "their work plans should be in line with the development guidelines and priorities established by the state." NGO’s have to report their projects, donors and funds spent and the ones that cause public disturbances, damage public or private property or contravene proper behavior will be penalized. [6] In this case, the Peruvian government is considering ALBA as a non-governmental organization and will have to comply with the laws created for NGOs.

The Government’s response

"The installation of the ALBA offices has not been authorized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, therefore, is unacceptable and plagued with illegality," said Prime Minister Jorge del Castillo adding that the Peruvian government "is assessing this issue to make the relevant moves." Meanwhile, in an interview with the newspaper "El Comercio", Hernán Fuentes, regional president of Puno, said that ALBA is spreading to 13 provinces in the department of his jurisdiction. [7]

Genaro Matute, Peru’s General Controller declared that all regional governments must report all donations received by ALBA offices in their respective regions. They must give detailed information to the APCI and the Controller’s office. In addition Mr. Matute stated that the regional governments must provide information on the exact amount of donations received and how are these funds being managed. If they don’t comply, they would be acting against the law and would be denounced by the Public Ministry. The General Controller went on to say that according to the law, all foreign contributions must be monitored by the Ministry of Foreign Relations and not by a regional government. [8]              

On Monday 23 July, the Executive passed a law that prohibits any regional president, mayor, congressman or any other civil employee to participate in manifestations or strikes under penalty of jail. They will also be dismissed from their jobs for a period of time . The referred legislative decree, of a total of 11 which they were published in the official newspaper "El Peruano," was elaborated within the framework of the faculties granted to the Executive by the Parliament in the matter of citizen security, drug trafficking and terrorism. Although many agree with this initiative, others are labeling it as undemocratic. In fact, some analysts believe that this law was approved in a state of emergency and could jeopardize Alan García’s democratic commitment, hurting his political party in the nest presidential elections while benefiting Ollanta Humala, which could be catastrophic. [9]

In addition, Puno’s National Council has decided to investigate and denounce Hernán Fuentes to the authorities for establishing an ALBA office in Puno and for his close ties with Hugo Chavez. The presence of this agency has been questioned by many, including Regional President of Lambayeque, Yehude Simon who stated that he would "never" allow such an office to be placed in the region without having first sought the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Regional Government itself. Simon said that Fuentes has made a mistake in placing another country’s office on Peruvian soil without having first requested the Chancellery’s permission.

Furthermore, the Vice President of Puno’s Regional Government, Mauro Justo Vilca has stated that Fuentes should reconsider his position on the issue or he could face being removed from his post. Vilca considers that Fuentes’ behavior has negatively affected Puno’s regional government and paralyzed work in the area. Vilca added that Fuentes did not let any of his 13 advisors know of his plans. "This was a personal issue for Fuentes, he didn’t let anyone know. I’m going to speak to the other advisors and hold a meeting so we can make a decision about the problems that are affecting the region," stated Vilca. [10]

Humala’s reaction

Former Peruvian presidential candidate Ollanta Humala rejected claims that Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is meddling in Peruvian domestic affairs, and rather advocated an office of the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA) in Puno, over the border with Bolivia. "ALBA should not be rejected, and I do believe the Peruvian government should ponder joining this space of international cooperation," Humala said. According to Humala, the ALBA is good economic choice, as Peru is engaged with the United States in a Free Trade Agreement. "Having spaces to make people in our country know the ALBA would be positive," said Humala, personal friend of Hugo Chavez and allegedly behind the protests that nearly paralyzed Peru few weeks ago. [11]

 

Problem with ALBA offices in Peru

The APCI visited the ALBA offices in Puno to collect information on its activities and stated that it did not meet with the registration requirements stated by law. Even more, the "House of ALBA" has not even initiated the necessary proceedings as an international cooperation entity, a necessary prerequisite to send patients to hospitals abroad. The APCI declared that indeed an organization with the name of "House of ALBA" was registered in Puno on March 28, 2007, as non-profit civil association which is dedicated to send patients with eye problems to be treated in "Bolivarian hospitals". However, the APCI states that the House of ALBA has not registered any non-reimbursable international cooperation project in the Budget Planning and Territorial Organization of Puno’s Regional Government, entity that should have approved the project to be able to be registered in the APCI. [12]

Conclusions

It is crucially important that the Peruvian government dispose of the legal means to effectively neutralize Chavez’s influence in the region. The laws pertaining NGO seem to be a good tool to counterbalance Chavez influence via the presence of the ALBA offices in Peru.  Accountability by organizations operating within the Peruvian national territory is vital. If the Government finds that the organization is provoking social unrest, the proper measures should be adopted. The fact that ALBA offices were not authorized seems to be in open violation with Peruvian laws and these laws should be properly applied.

In addition, the Garcia regime should secure an adequate monitoring of regional activities by the national government without undermining regional autonomies. If indeed what Peru’s general controller says that all foreign donations to regional governments must be reported to the national government, the question that ensues is to what extend the national government has the legal power to block donations that come from Hugo Chavez aimed at interfering in Peru’s internal affairs. If there is such legal power it should be applied. If there is no such legal power, adequate laws aimed at curbing such damaging activities should be legislated following proper process and legislative-executive power cooperation.

It is also critically important that the government does not engage in non-democratic or unconstitutional practices. For example the executive decree that penalizes public employees and public officials to participate in demonstrations could be perceived as an authoritarian measure aimed at silencing civil protest or even the opposition. If such perception exists, this could be used by pro-Chavez groups and dangerous individuals like Humala as a tool of propaganda and mobilization against the constitutional regime of Peru in general and against the Alan Garcia government in particular. Therefore, it is crucial that the Peruvian government refrain from non-democratic practices.

We will continue to explore the legal possibilities of counterbalancing the influence of Hugo Chavez in the next issues of the "America’s Report".  This is a problem that Perú is now confronting but other countries will no doubt follow suit.

Meanwhile, it is of utmost importance that the U.S. should help its allies in the region against the "Chavista" influence. An interest initiative would be the ratification of the Free Trade Agreements with Panama, Perú, and Colombia. Colombia and Peru are at the brink of falling into Hugo Chavez’s hands and it is difficult to understand why the US or the Democrats in this case are postponing the signing of these agreements.

  1. Del Castillo: El chavismo pretende desestabilizar el país. July 5, 2007. Diario Expreso, Perú.
  2. Perú acusó a Chávez de injerencia extranjera. July 6, 2007. Radio LV12, Argentina.
  3. Venezuela ya tiene 6 oficinas de Alba en Lima y en el interior del país. August 1, 2007. Diario La República.
  4. Primer ministro peruano: No hay pruebas de injerencia venezolana, pero existe. July 20, 2007. El Universal, Venezuela.
  5. Presidente regional debe reportar donaciones del ALBA en Puno o será denunciado. July 20, 2007. 24 Horas, Perú.
  6. 24 Horas – Ibid.
  7. Chávez: Oficina del ALBA en Perú es ”simbólica’ ‘ y no representa ninguna "injerencia." July 16, 2007. RPP, Perú.
  8. Región Puno debe reportar donaciones de ALBA ante APCI y Contraloría. July 20, 2007. Diario Correo, Perú.
  9. Presidentes regionales que se sumen a huelgas serán inhabilitados. July 23, 2007. Diario Correo, Perú.
  10. Peru: Regional President could Lose Position after ALBA Decision. July 10, 2007. Living in Perú.
  11. Chávez dice que ALBA en Puno es "simbólica". July 17, 2007. Perú 21, Perú.
  12. Casa de ALBA en Puno obvió requisitos de inscripción. July 31, 2007. 24 Horas, Perú.

Peru’s reaction to Venezuelan intervention

On July 26 2007, The Americas Report ran an article entitled: "Chávez’s dangerous intervention in Perú" which described the massive protests that were occurring in different regions of Peru. Analysts are convinced that the demonstrations are being promoted by Venezuelan President, Hugo Chávez. In addition, we described Chavez’s intent on pressuring Peru into joining an alliance with Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia and Nicaragua called the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas (ALBA). We at The Americas Report decided to talk to specialists in this subject to see what legal measures could be used against this overt intervention of Hugo Chavez in Peruvian internal affairs.

NEWS:

  • Bolivia’s President Criticizes Peru & Promotes Chavez during Stay. Bolivia: rising inflation. Confusion in Bolivia over arrival of Venezuelan military group.
  • Chavez again to the rescue of Argentina’s financial woes. Jews in Argentina wary of nation’s ties to Chávez. Chavez tours Latin America. Chavez hails Cristina Kirchner as Argentina’s next president. Chávez buys $500M in Argentine bonds, wants more.Brazil ‘s Petrobras to exchange technology with Mexico’s Pemex. Lula tour pushes Brazil biofuels.
  • U.S. Congress Representative Charles Rangel Backs Trade Deal in Peru.
  • Chile: Bachelet continues to lose support.
  • Colombia: The FARC reject Uribe’s proposal to release hostages Colombia: The FARC reject Uribe’s proposal to release hostages. Colombia : Ingrid Betancourt to be freed in Venezuela?
  • Nicaragua and Iran Sign Trade Deal with Hugo Chavez’s help. Ortega asks the world to join the crusade of Ghadafi, Chávez and Castro.
  • Ecuador warns Telefonica, Repsol YPF of revisions to contracts, concessions. 

View the full version of the Americas Report (PDF) 

For any questions, comments, or those interested in receiving this report in the future or seeking to have their email removed from our list please contact Nicole M. Ferrand at our new e-mail address: mailto:mengesproject@centerforsecuritypolicy.org. If you have news stories that you think might be useful for future editions of this report please send them, with a link to the original website, to the same e-mail address. If you wish to contribute with an article, please send it to the same address, with your name and place of work or study. 

The AMIA bombing

On July 18th, the thirteenth anniversary of the attack on the Jewish –Argentina Mutual Association (AMIA) was commemorated. The attack killed 85 people and left many others seriously injured. Like every year, including this one, there was a public gathering of tens of thousands of people. The Argentinean President, Nestor Kirchner, as well as many cabinet members and his wife, Cristina, a Presidential candidate, also attended the ceremony. The main points of the event were to demand that the Kirchner government advance the investigation further as well as immediately cease all diplomatic relations with Iran. An analysis of the mismanagement of the investigation.  

NEWS:

  • Iran and Nicaragua Strengthen Relations.
  • Venezuela refines purchase of Bolivian bonds. Venezuela and Argentina Deepen Industrial Integration. Argentina increases its economic dependency on Hugo Chavez. Venezuela and Cuba will begin jointly exploring for oil in Cuban waters. Venezuelan Government could make RCTV unavailable by cable. Venezuelan court: RCTV to continue on cable for now. "Chávez wants to be Castro’s successor."
  • Bolivian President Morales Visits Perú.
  • "It’s essential" that Mexico joins Mercosur says Kirchner. Brazil says Mexico cannot enter MERCOSUR. Argentina and Uruguay: Pulp mills dispute moves to New York.
  • Bush and Harper in favor of FTA with Colombia. The FARC wants to prevent pro-government electoral campaign in Colombia (Minister).
  • Chilean Miners Reach Accord, End Strike.
  • Cuba makes early Pan Am Games exit to prevent mass defections.

View the full version of the Americas Report (PDF)

For any questions, comments, or those interested in receiving this report in the future or seeking to have their email removed from our list please contact Nicole M. Ferrand at our new e-mail address: mengesproject@centerforsecuritypolicy.org. If you have news stories that you think might be useful for future editions of this report please send them, with a link to the original website, to the same e-mail address. If you wish to contribute with an article, please send it to the same address, with your name and place of work or study.