Wonderful speech translated from the Spanish at The Examiner:
What the US can learn from Colombia President Uribe's response to Chavez
Translated from Spanish by Aimee Kligman
This speech was delivered by President Uribe from Calamar (a Colombian municipality in the North of the Bolivar region)
As published in: Noticiero Digital
'Allow me, Calamar compatriots, to change the subject of the topic that concerns us, to give a few thoughts on President Chavez' declaration.
President Chavez, the truth, as witnessed, is that I allowed you to negotiate with FARC, as you requested. I allowed you to meet with FARC, as you requested. I allowed you to meet with ELN. (note: ELN is a lesser known rebel group than FARC). I allowed that Rodgrigo Granda to be moved from Cuba to Venezuela. (Rodrigo Granda is the leader and main spokesperson for the most powerful revolutionary guerrilla group in Latin America, FARC).
And as in so many previous instances, FARC continued to lie and not comply.
The truth, President Chavez, and the witnessed truth, is that when there are no arguments left, and one resorts to insults, as you do, it not only affects international relations, but in this case, you, with your insults and lack of arguments, hurt the dignity of the very people of Venezuela that you represent.
The truth, President Chavez, is that we need to mediate against terrorism rather than mediate with those who legitimize terrorism. Your words, your behavior, give the impression that you are not interested in peace for Colombia, but rather that Colombia fall victim to a FARC led terrorist government.
And it keeps getting better and better and better.
Chavez is probably well meaning but he is a simpleton who fails to grasp the damage he is wreaking on the nation of Venezuela and the pain that Venezuela will go through once the oil market is gone.
He is frittering away the resources on bread and circuses instead of building hospitals, schools, infrastructure...
