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Hugo Chavez tells Venezuela to prepare for war with Colombia
Monday, 9 November 2009
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President Hugo Chavez has ordered Venezuela's military to prepare for a possible armed conflict with Colombia, saying his country's soldiers should be ready if the US attempts to provoke a war between the South American neighbours.
Mr Chavez said Venezuela could end up going to war with Colombia as tensions between them rise, and he warned that if a conflict broke out "it could extend throughout the whole continent"
"Let's not waste a day on our main aim: to prepare for war and to help the people prepare for war, because it is everyone's responsibility," Mr Chavez said during his TV and radio show Alo, Presidente.
Chavez told his supporters that President Barack Obama holds sway over Colombia's government, and he cautioned the US leader against using his allies in Bogota to mount a military offensive against Venezuela.
"Don't make a mistake, Mr. Obama, by ordering an attack against Venezuela by way of Colombia," he said.
The former paratroop commander voiced concern over an agreement between Bogota and Washington giving the American military personnel more access to Colombia's military bases through a 10-year lease agreement.
Chavez also reiterated what he said is his fear that U.S. soldiers could use the bases as launching pads for an attack on his country to seize control of its immense oil reserves.
Colombian and U.S. officials say the agreement is necessary to more effectively help Colombia's security forces fight drug traffickers and leftist rebels — not mount military strikes against Colombia's neighbors.
On Thursday, Venezuela sent 15,000 soldiers to the border with Colombia, saying the military buildup was necessary to increase security along the border, combat drug trafficking and root out paramilitary groups.
The deployment follows a series of shootings and slayings that have heightened tensions between the two countries.
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Why is the American Republic so hell bent on helping Colombia when all we (mostly) get is drugs ( ie cocaine) from that country and not side with a country like( Venezuela) that we import 14 % of our oil from and that we refine All their oil. oh.......there is more $$$$$ from drugs than oil? Wake up America..we can gain a friend in Venezuela more than we can being friendly with Colombia. senior Chavez is doing what he can for his country....He is now looking to Russia to refine his oil...that means we ( America) are losing ground,starting another war that we dont need. America is going down.....if you let it. Wake up,
Posted by Al Gottschalk | 10.11.09, 01:50 GMT
This guy is a nut! He ranks right up there with Stalin and Hitler. You know, when you want to go to war, you always provoke the other guy into starting it. That always looks good on CNN. Hugo, I believe your days are numbered. Your people will rise up and slay you. There is always a most trusted General that wants your position and power.
Posted by ken | 09.11.09, 23:35 GMT
An official document from the Department of the US Air Force reveals that the military base in Palanquero, Colombia will provide the Pentagon with “…an opportunity for conducting full spectrum operations throughout South America…”. The military agreement between Washington and Colombia authorizes the access and use of seven military installations in Palanquero, Malambo, Tolemaida, Larandia, Apíay, Cartagena and Málaga. Additionally, the agreement allows for “the access and use of all other installations and locations as necessary” throughout Colombia, with no restrictions. Together with the complete immunity the agreement provides to US military and civilian personnel, including private defense and security contractors, the clause authorizing the US to utilize any installation throughout the entire country - even commercial aiports, for military ends, signifies a complete renouncing of Colombian sovereignty and officially converts Colombia into a client-state of the US.
Posted by Canublamehim | 09.11.09, 21:08 GMT
Chavez is right to be worried with the Yankee imperialists putting more bases in Colombia. Right on Hugo's oil-rich doorstep. Hmm that lovely oil. Don't forget the CIA Yankees already tried to oust him in a failed coup attempt. So much for democracy. Colombia is just another poodle.
Posted by GoHugo | 09.11.09, 20:15 GMT
Unfortunately, this man is a despot like so many others, both present and past. He is potentially another danger to world peace but appeals to the uneducated poor in Venezuela by giving out favours.
Posted by Ed | 09.11.09, 19:45 GMT
So Mr. Chavez dares to say if Venezuela is threatened by U.S. interests in Columbia, they will resist!-what temerity!!-after all ev eryone knows that the good old U.S.A. has every right to invade every country on earth with which it disagrees-right?;witness Iraq or Cuba!-why they don.t even speak English!!
When will the criminally stupid CIA/ militarists in the U.S. realise that there is a big world out there, that doesn.t neccessarly care about what the U.S. thinks, but just wish that America confines itself to America! Adios, Daniel O.Donnel. P.S. I am not American!!
Posted by Daniel O.Donnel | 09.11.09, 19:20 GMT