| (WASHINGTON) - U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on the lack of response by the United Nations (UN) and the Organization of American States (OAS) to Hugo Chavez’s systematic assault against the pillars of Venezuelan democracy. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“The UN and the OAS have been paralyzed against Hugo Chavez’s systematic assault against fundamental rights and liberties, in particular, the intense crackdown against the media, seeking to stifle all freedom of expression.
“No emergency session has been called to address the deteriorating situation. No delegations have been sent to investigate. The OAS and UN have yet to do anything more than ‘express concern.’
“As Chavez continues uninterrupted, Ecuador’s Correa during his inaugural speech last week, lashed out against the media, proposing even more press restrictions.
“As Chavez continues unleashed, the UN and OAS direct their ire at Honduran democratic institutions and leadership for acting in accordance with the Honduran constitution and rule of law.
“Now is the time to stand up for democracy in Venezuela. Now is the time to stand up against Chavez and the repressive ALBA agenda he wishes to extend throughout the Hemisphere. It is time for the U.S. to lead the effort against oppression and for the preservation of freedom.”
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