Venezuela Denies Drug Smuggling Charge

[Eugene]

http://www.guardian.co.uk/worldlatest/story/0,1280,-5284407,00.html

Venezuela Denies Drug Smuggling Charge


Saturday September 17, 2005 3:01 AM

AP Photo NYJS301

By IAN JAMES

Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - A U.S. decision to brand Venezuela as a
country failing to do enough against drug smuggling drew a sharp
denial from the Venezuelan government Friday, aggravating tensions
between Washington and one of its top oil suppliers.

<snip>

"Mr. Bush's government knows perfectly well the strong action by our
country, the cooperation it offers and the impressive volume of drugs
seized," Venezuelan Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel said in a
statement. "But none of that counts because what matters to the U.S.
government is the political disqualification of Venezuela for the
purpose of future aggressions."

<snip>

Rangel said the United States, as a leading consumer of illegal drugs,
had no "moral authority" to pass judgment.

Rangel said the U.S. government congratulated Venezuelan authorities
last year when they seized 43 tons of drugs, and so far this year
seizures have netted 59 tons.

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