Chavez told NOT welcome in Beijing ... failure of Venezuelan diplomacy!

Date: Fri, Oct 15, 2010 at 12:45
From: milos alcalay milosalcalay@yahoo.com
To: editor@vheadline.com
Subject: Diplomatic failure

A few comments on the theme of this diplomatic failure with regards to the negativity caused by Chavez making (impromptu) foreign visits simply when he feels like it...

It is a clear and concise demonstration of the total lack of professionalism in "Bolivarian"-style diplomacy.

Chavez has become accustomed to doing what he likes, when he likes ... and his diplomatic advisers jump to his immediate command without making necessary arrangements for a State Visit. Of course, diplomacy in the Ukraine, Libya, Belorussia etc., is much more flexible and they (generally) make accommodations for whatever the Bolivarians desire. But not so the Chinese!

The Russians have received Chavez on nine occasions ... but they are in tune with a very productive (for them) relationship and under such circumstances, Chavez' trips take on the aspect of visits by an itinerant ambassador rather than of a Head of State.

Apparently, Chinese diplomats are following protocol which dictates that a reciprocal visit to Venezuela by the Chinese Head of State should necessarily take place before any further Head of State visits. It is certainly a coup against Chavez' previously announced State Visit visit to Beijing, which had been endorsed by the National Assembly although there was no gesture of acceptance from the other side ... i.e. you need two to tango!

On the other hand, I believe that the Chinese do not like to be manipulated into a strategic relationship unilaterally declared by Chavez since China's international projection has a greater vision of Latin America as a whole, and their strategic relationship is with ALL the countries of Latin America ... not just with Venezuela but with others such as Brazil, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, etc.

Nevertheless (the calamity of Chavez not being welcome this time in Beijing) doesn't signify that China has changed its attitude (towards Venezuela) since they are still interested in continuing their agreements with Venezuela but they insist on them being strictly adhered to since our country has been very generous at the moment of signing agreements but with great difficulties to deliver in the execution of such agreements (as they have with all other countries) ... "Lots of noise but few results!"

This incident shows that with countries as solid as China, it is is not right to improvise. A State Visit should be organized according to accepted protocol procedures and it is for this reason that China has responded as it has.

An example of the success of professional diplomacy is the support shown of Colombia as a member of the United Nations Security Council for having acted as they should at international levels. Just remember the failure when Venezuela didn't make it to the Security Council ... not for the rejection in itself, but because Venezuela did not exercise professional diplomacy on the basis of commonly accepted rules.

Milos Alcalay
milosalcalay@yahoo.com

• Ambassador Milos Alcalay is a former Venezuelan ambassador