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WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The
Green Party of the United States severely criticized the U.S. government
for working hand in glove with anti-democratic forces in Venezuela to
overthrow Hugo Chavez, the constitutionally elected President of
Venezuela, last week.
"We roundly condemn this unwarranted, embarrassing, and politically
foolish interference by our government," said Charlie Pillsbury,
Green Party candidate for the Third Congressional District in
Connecticut. "We're pleased that the attempted coup failed and that
Hugo Chavez is back in office, through the courageous support of
democratic elements in the armed forces and by powerful popular
demonstrations against the coup leaders. We condemn the actions of the
coup leaders and their super-rich oil-obsessed allies who sought to
reverse Chavez's peaceful democratic revolution -- and to bring down
constitutional government and democracy with it."
Greens noted the many positive accomplishments of the Chavez government
in the past four years, especially the new democratic constitution which
broke the power monopoly of the two deeply corrupt and discredited main
parties.
Chavez also embarked on an ambitious program of land reform; ecological
community development projects; educational reform; a micro-credit
program for the poor and for women; and -- to the ire of Venezuelan
elites and their U.S. government contacts -- won a fairer price for oil
through OPEC, significantly increasing government income. Though
criticized for poor personnel appointments and lack of effective
enactment, Chavez reduced official unemployment, lower infant mortality,
strengthen the safety net for poor people, and helped school a million
children for the first time by doubling investment in education -- even
though his government has had only had four years to enact his programs.
"We should be jealous of that kind of record," said Rahul
Mahajan, Green candidate for Governor of Texas. "Chavez's goals are
consistent with the values and wishes of the American people. It's our
own government -- the Bush Administration with the backing of both
Democrats and Republicans -- that is out of sync with democracy,
economic fairness, and social equality."
"On behalf of the American people, the Green Party of the United
States salutes the restoration of democracy in Venezuela and
congratulates Hugo Chavez in his reinstatement as Venezuela's lawful
leader."
Green Party Contacts:
Nancy Allen, Media Coordinator, 207-326-4576, nallen@acadia.net
Scott McLarty, Media Coordinator, 202-518-5624, scottmclarty@yahoo.com
More Information:
The Green Party of the United States
http://www.gp.org
National office: 1314 18th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
202-319-7191, 866-41GREEN
Index of Green Party candidates in 2002 http://www.gp.org/patience.html
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