Venezuela: The President is back

Hugo Chavez survived the militarist coup

After only 48 hours out of power, the Venezuelan head of state, Colonel Hugo Cesar Chavez Frias returned to his post in the middle of a political storm shaking the South American country since last Thursday. Therefore, the civilian-militarist coup d'etat which had ousted him last week fell to pieces after losing support from important sectors of the army.

According to local press reports, former ephemeral interim president and leader of the most important business organisation of Venezuela, Pedro Carmona was arrested after resignation by troops loyal to Chavez. His short-lived Government failed in obtaining support from the Latin American powers which duly denounced the coup as a violation of the constitutional order of the country.

Chavez gave a speech from his dispatch at the Palace of Miraflores, where he asked for reconciliation among Venezuelans and called for reflection to all sectors of the political life of his country. Besides he proved in front of the TV cameras that he had not resigned to his post, which technically means that he was victim of a coup intent.

Different sectors of the Armed Forces started turning against the provisional Government after it decided to suppress the parliament and remove all elected officials from their posts. Hours later, Pedro Carmona resigned in a short statement broadcasted by radio and the way back for Chavez become clear.

This adventure of the most reactionary sectors of the Venezuelan politics left around 46 killed and 300 wounded. However it made evident a deep social division inside the country and the immediate necessity for Chavez to solve it.

Hernan Etchaleco PRAVDA.Ru Argentina