Opposition accuses Chavez of neglecting his duties
Articles - National
Wednesday December 29, 2010

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William Ojeda


Opponents of President Hugo Chávez yesterday accused the president of being obsessed with maintaining power indefinitely and not to engage in solving problems such as crime, which places the country as one of the most dangerous in the region. Julio Borges, one of the opposition lawmakers to take office on January 5, stated that "the president is only concerned about maintaining power, but their responsibilities are not taken seriously, nor his supporters in the National Assembly."

Borges, in a press conference of the alliance of opposition lawmakers, citing the crime problem as an example that the government would be interested in adopting "laws that seek to concentrate power, no instruments to solve the problems of the people."

He stressed that the budget for 2010 and 2011 this "cut investment to combat crime," compared with military spending is 22% larger.

He further claimed that the outgoing National Assembly, dominated by the ruling, a few days before the arrival of a major contingent opposition, passed legislation to punish internet messages contrary to their political project, extended the official control over the universities and prohibits foreign funding human rights groups.

Also approved an Enabling Law, which allows Mr. Chávez to legislate by decree for the next year and a half.

"Faced with this negative balance, we reiterate that next week we will bring legislation to the Assembly if it matters to people."

Among the proposed laws, Borges said he will "return to the disarmament law," claiming that the country "are about 9 million illegal weapons."

Venezuela has one of the highest homicide rates in the region and the people mentioned repeatedly in this survey as the most urgent problem for the country.

In Buenos Aires, is the Venezuelan opposition lawmaker William Ojeda, where yesterday told reporters who traveled to Uruguay and Argentina to contact with "influential figures" of UNASUR and other politicians they would not identify, reported efforts Chavez to rule by decree.

"We came to note in this integration effort is emerging that UNASUR, which takes into account the democratic charter and the terms of conformation (block), which emphasizes the need to respect democratic institutions," he said.

Asked that "challenges the Venezuelan government on the functioning of democratic institutions."

He said Argentina will meet with leaders of the opposition, whose names would not specify. Not confirm whether it will meet with officials of the government of President Cristina Fernandez, but stressed that "things are happening in Venezuela generate much concern throughout the region."