Venezuela slams U.S. over 'repressive regimes' remarks

[Zorro]

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro demanded the United States apologise on Thursday after the Obama administration's nominee for envoy to the United Nations said there was a crackdown on civil society in the South American country.

Maduro has often clashed with Washington since winning an April election following the death of his mentor, socialist leader Hugo Chavez. He said Samantha Power's comments to a Senate confirmation hearing had been aggressive and unfair.

"I want an immediate correction by the U.S. government," Maduro said in comments broadcast live on state television.

"Power says she'll fight repression in Venezuela? What repression? There is repression in the United States, where they kill African-Americans with impunity, and where they hunt the youngster Edward Snowden just for telling the truth.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/World/2013/07/19/Venezuela-slams-US-over-repressive-regimes-remarks.aspx

[SamKnause]

1. Venezuela

President Maduro, you will not get an apology from the repressive hypocritical United States of Corporations.

[Socialistlemur]

2. Maybe Obama will apologize?

President Maduro did ask for an apology, I imagine Obama could send him a note which says:

Dear Nicolas:

I would like to apologize on behalf of the USA government for the candid remarks made by a candidate to the UN ambassador post. I am sure she didn't mean for you to take it personally when she said yours was a repressive regime. As you know, these comments are made in response to questions by senators and its a long standing tradition for high level USA diplomats to hurl insults at other nations before they assume their posts. I assure you these comments don't mean anything, the USA is willing to consider bygones be bygones and we do appreciate the visit by Jaua (which reminds me please have Jaua bring more of that chocolate you sent when he stops by).

The USA government is pleased to see Venezuela import our nation's products including fuel components and tolet paper. We wish to keep the flow of Venezuelan investment into the south Florida real estate market, which is largely made up of Venezuelan and Argentinian cash seeking our very attractive terms (I mention it just in case you and Cilia wish to buy a mansion in Weston). Furthermore, we have observed with satisfaction you have signed a business deal with ChevronTexaco and ignored President Correa's warnings. The USA wants this and other investments by our energy multinationals to thrive, and we look forward to doing more business in the future.

Regarding the apology, I assume this note, which will self destruct in 10 seconds, will suffice.

Very truly yours

Barak Hussein Obama