| (WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Ranking Republican on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, commented today on the presidential determination that Venezuela and Bolivia have failed to adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements. Statement of Ros-Lehtinen:
“Once again, Venezuela and Bolivia have failed to meet their commitments to counter the scourge of drug trafficking. Once again, it is confirmed that Hugo Chavez continues to allow Venezuela to serve as an open staging ground for violent extremist groups like the FARC.
“By turning a blind eye to the narcotraffickers enjoying free reign in their countries, Hugo Chavez and Evo Morales are subjecting the entire Hemisphere to a future of instability and crime.
“It is time to stop coddling leaders who have no intention of working with us and instead focus on responsible partners, like Colombia, who share our goals for security, prosperity and democracy.”
Note: Pursuant to section 706(2)(A) of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, the President designated Bolivia, Burma and Venezuela as countries that have failed demonstrably during the previous 12 months to adhere to their obligations under international counternarcotics agreements.
This is the 5th year in a row Venezuela has been designated as failing demonstrably, and 2nd year in a row for Bolivia.
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