El Universal: Chavez Should Think Twice Before Cutting Ties With U.S.

[unhappycamper]

Chavez Should Think Twice Before Cutting Ties With U.S.
By Pedro A. Palma
May 28, 2005

http://www.watchingamerica.com/eluniversalvz000002.html

A new surprise was contained in President Chávez’ recent announcement: that Venezuela’s diplomatic ties with the United States could be revised if the extradition of Luis Posada Carriles to our country does not take place. Without entering into the legal or moral justifications of such a move, I believe that to condition the relations we have traditionally maintained with that nation on the consummation of this extradition is excessive and out of order.

Limiting myself strictly to economics, it is worth remembering that a rupture in relations could have devastating consequences for our economy, because it would risk much more that it would appear at first glance. In order to understand why I say this, it is worth mentioning that more than 50% of the hydrocarbons we export go directly to that country, amounting to sales surpassing $2 billion this year. Before we stray from being the reliable supplier we are today, it is important to recall that it would be much easier for North America to replace us as a petroleum provider than it would be for us to replace them as clients because, among other reasons, the acid content of our heavy crude requires some very unusual and very expensive refinery infrastructure, a good percentage of which is located in the United States.

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[arcos]

1. I agree...

I support Chávez, but breaking relations with the US is just stupid...

[madrchsod]

2. one word----china------

china will be more than willing to take the united states position and all that oil. what`s it matter to the oligarchy in Venezuela? they still get their money.

[Judi Lynn]

3. El Universal is described as "fiercely anti-Chavez."

The large newspapers and electronic media have done everything in their power to destroy him. Everyone knows that.

Regarding their remarks concerning this man now with any seriousness would be pointless.

[bemildred]

4. El Universal displays it's ignorance once again.

"it would be much easier for North America to replace us as
a petroleum provider than it would be for us to replace them
as clients"

[nothingshocksmeanymore]

5. A few tweaks here and there and THE ONION could use this

:D

[Robbien]

6. Ha! What planet are they living on?

It still surprises me sometimes that the rich elite in Venezuela have faith in that propaganda rag.