Tuesday, March 19, AD 2024 2:01am

Neville Redux

Statement From Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter on the Death of Hugo Chavez

Rosalynn and I extend our condolences to the family of Hugo Chávez Frías.  We met Hugo Chávez when he was campaigning for president in 1998 and The Carter Center was invited to observe elections for the first time in Venezuela.  We returned often, for the 2000 elections, and then to facilitate dialogue during the political conflict of 2002-2004.  We came to know a man who expressed a vision to bring profound changes to his country to benefit especially those people who had felt neglected and marginalized.  Although we have not agreed with all of the methods followed by his government, we have never doubted Hugo Chávez’s commitment to improving the lives of millions of his fellow countrymen.

President Chávez will be remembered for his bold assertion of autonomy and independence for Latin American governments and for his formidable communication skills and personal connection with supporters in his country and abroad to whom he gave hope and empowerment.  During his 14-year tenure, Chávez joined other leaders in Latin America and the Caribbean to create new forms of integration.  Venezuelan poverty rates were cut in half, and millions received identification documents for the first time allowing them to participate more effectively in their country’s economic and political life.

At the same time, we recognize the divisions created in the drive towards change in Venezuela and the need for national healing.  We hope that as Venezuelans mourn the passing of President Chávez and recall his positive legacies — especially the gains made for the poor and vulnerable — the political leaders will move the country forward by building a new consensus that ensures equal opportunities for all Venezuelans to participate in every aspect of national life.

Dictators around the globe, so long as they mouth anti-American platitudes, will ever have a friend in the most ex of our ex-presidents.

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JDP
JDP
Wednesday, March 6, AD 2013 12:21pm

“At the same time, we recognize the divisions created in the drive towards change in Venezuela and the need for national healing”

damn bitter clingers couldn’t get with the program

Art Deco
Art Deco
Wednesday, March 6, AD 2013 8:33pm

I recall the Carter Center’s seal of approval on a rather dodgy referendum; that’s when I stopped taking the Carter Center seriously.

One does wish that, given that Mr. Carter has elected to be a purveyor of humbug, he could be more concise in so doing.

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