NEWS,16.12.2012

Venezuelan elections a test for Chavez

Venezuelans are choosing governors and state lawmakers on Sunday in elections that have become a key test of whether President Hugo Chavez's movement can endure if the leader leaves the political stage.Voters in some areas of Caracas were awakened before dawn by fireworks and reveille blaring from speakers mounted on trucks. But turnout in the initial hours of voting appeared to be much lower than the country's October presidential vote, when long lines snaked out of polling stations and Chavez won another six-year term.The vote is the first time in Chavez's nearly 14-year-old presidency that he has been unable to actively campaign. He hasn't spoken publicly since undergoing cancer surgery on Tuesday in Cuba.Governorships in all of the country's 23 states are being decided in the elections. Chavez's party currently controls all but eight of the states, and if it maintains its dominance the vote could help the president's allies deepen his socialist policies, including a drive fortifying grass-roots citizen councils that are directly funded by the central government.For the opposition, the elections are apt to determine the fate of its leadership. The most pivotal race involves opposition leader Henrique Capriles, who gave Chavez his stiffest challenge yet in the October presidential election, and is now running for re-election in Miranda state against Elias Jaua, Chavez's former vice president.The elections could also be an important dry run for new presidential elections if cancer cuts short Chavez's presidency.Chavez is due to be sworn in for another term on 10 January. But if his condition forces him to step down, Venezuela's constitution requires that new presidential elections be called promptly and held within 30 days.Chavez said before undergoing the surgery that if he's unable to continue, Vice President Nicolas Maduro should take his place and run for president.Alida Delgado, a lawyer, was waiting to vote outside a school in an affluent neighbourhood of Miranda state. She said she favoured Capriles because Chavez's government has left the country immersed in rampant crime and economic troubles. She said one of her sons moved away to Canada several years ago in search of work as a business manager.As for Chavez, Delgado said: "I hope he recovers, but I think there's going to be change.""God willing, I think that soon we're going to have new elections," Delgado said, adding: "May the opposition win."Chavez's son-in-law, Jorge Arreaza, who is also the government's science and technology minister, said in a Saturday phone call from Havana broadcast on television that the president had called for supporters to turn out to vote.Arreaza said Chavez is in full control of his mental faculties and has been talking with his children and getting daily visits from Fidel Castro while recovering slowly from the surgery, which was his fourth cancer-related operation since June 2011.Chavez's political allies framed the election as a referendum on his legacy, urging people to dedicate the vote to Chavez. The government put up banners on lampposts reading "Now more than ever, with Chavez."Jesus Hernandez, a public school employee, said he would vote for Jaua out of support for Chavez. "We have a leader, and we have to follow that leader."If the Chavistas gain or even hold steady, the executive branch could strengthen its hold on the grass roots, as communal councils decide such questions as who gets a new roof, or which streets need repairs, distributing the funds directly. Chavez's opponents have objected to the government's campaign to develop such state-funded "communes" because they bypass the traditional authority of state and local elected officials.The closeness of the vote to Christmas and apparent apathy among many voters suggested a low turnout. In the last presidential election, 81% of registered voters turned out, but gubernatorial elections tend to draw fewer people.Some said a low turnout could be a hazard both for Chavez's camp and the opposition.Political analyst Carlos Raul Hernandez said he thinks Chavez's illness could keep some voters away because he's developed "a style of messianic leadership" in which he stands out far above his political allies."There are a lot of people who are only interested in Chavez, not at all the governors," Hernandez said.

Hugo Chavez Cancer Surgery: Fidel Castro Meets With Venezuelan President

President Hugo Chavez is in full control of his mental faculties and has been talking with his children and getting daily visits from Fidel Castro while recovering slowly from cancer surgery in Cuba, his son-in-law said Saturday.Chavez has been recovering favorably despite some "moments of tension" after Tuesday's surgery and is now in a "process of stabilization," Science and Technology Minister Jorge Arreaza said on Venezuelan television in a phone call from Havana.It's unclear when Chavez might be well enough to return home, but Information Minister Ernesto Villegas expressed hope it could be soon. Chavez, who was re-elected in October, is due to be sworn in for another six-year term on Jan. 10."We're extremely hopeful that the president may be with us very soon. But it would also be irresponsible on my part to speak of dates," Villegas told The Associated Press."We're confident that President Chavez will be here to take office on Jan. 10. Now, in the event that weren't possible, our people would have to be prepared to understand it," Villegas said.He spoke during a ceremony in downtown Caracas attended by Vice President Nicolas Maduro and other government officials as well as visiting leaders from other countries.Arreaza's phone call became the centerpiece of the televised ceremony, and he said Castro has come to see Chavez every day since the surgery."He always stops by to personally find out about El Comandante's health condition and also to share his knowledge with all of us, and to give the family courage and encouragement," said Arreaza, who is the husband of Chavez's eldest daughter, Rosa.Chavez has long shared a close friendship with the former Cuban president, describing him as being like a father and mentor.The 58-year-old Venezuelan leader underwent his fourth cancer-related operation in Cuba after tests found the illness had come back despite previous operations, chemotherapy and radiation treatments. He previously had said in July that tests showed he was cancer-free.Throughout his treatments in Cuba, Chavez has kept secret some details about his pelvic cancer, including the exact location and type of tumors removed. Venezuela's government has said Chavez suffered complications during a complicated six-hour surgery but has since been recovering progressively.Arreaza said there had been "moments of tension, above all on (December) 11 and 12, but we've overcome them one by one.""The president has begun to communicate with his close relatives," he said. Arreaza said that as Chavez began to speak, he told him of "his deep love for his people.""El Comandante has fought a great battle, and, as he told us, he will overcome each of these moments little by little. He's getting better," Arreaza said.Chavez also called for his supporters to vote in Venezuela's gubernatorial elections Sunday, Arreaza said."He is now completely in full intellectual conditions to send this message to the Venezuela," Arreaza added.Maduro told Arreaza to give Chavez a message: "Tell him that the people here are on their feet working, battling." Maduro expressed confidence that Chavez's allies will win Sunday's elections.Maduro also said National Assembly President Diosdado Cabello made a quick trip to Havana on Friday along with Attorney General Cilia Flores and they were in contact with Chavez's family."Praying together, we're going to achieve the miracle," Maduro said.The vice president, whom Chavez recently designated his preferred successor, also repeated his government's condemnation of President Barack Obama's criticisms this week of "authoritarian policies" in Venezuela. Maduro called Obama's comments "unacceptable."Saturday night's ceremony was held on the eighth anniversary of the creation of the leftist Bolivarian Alliance, or ALBA, bloc of nations, which includes Venezuela, Bolivia, Cuba and other nations.Maduro read aloud a letter from Castro in which he said "the name of Hugo Chavez is admired and respected throughout the world." The former Cuban president was quoted as writing that "the doctors are fighting with optimism" for Chavez's recovery.Bolivian President Evo Morales, who attended the event in Caracas, told the television network Telesur that he hadn't yet been able to travel to Cuba but that he hoped to meet with Chavez soon. He didn't give details.Chavez's daughter Maria, who was with the president in Havana, thanked supporters for their prayers in a message on her Twitter account."We are continuing to battle along with papa," she said, expressing trust in "the hand of God!"

Kim Jong Il Death Anniversary Celebrated With Rocket As Centerpiece By North Korea

North Korea parlayed the success of last week's rocket launch to glorify leader Kim Jong Un and his late father on Sunday, the eve of the first anniversary of his death.The successful firing the rocket on Wednesday – ostensibly to place a satellite in space was a clear sign that Kim will continue his father Kim Jong Il's militaristic hardline policies despite international condemnation.The West sees the rocket as a thinly-disguised way of carrying out U.N-banned tests of long-range missile technology, which it says not only threatens regional stability but is also a waste of resources when millions of North Koreans have little to eat in the famine-beset country crying out for economic reforms.It is also feared that after the rocket launch, Pyongyang will press ahead with a nuclear test to build a warhead small enough to be carried by a long-range missile.At a somber memorial service Sunday to start a fresh round of mourning, North Korea's top leadership predictably eulogized Kim Jong Il and his son, who is certain to have gained national prestige and clout by going ahead with the rocket launch.Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of North Korea's parliament, credited Kim Jong Il with building Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program, and called the satellite launch a "shining victory" and an emblem of the promise that lies ahead with his son in power.Top military official Choe Ryong Hae, meanwhile, warned that the army was prepared to defend the country's sovereignty.Wednesday's launch was North Korea's second attempt in eight months to fulfill Kim Jong Il's 14-year quest to put a satellite into space. International experts confirmed that the rocket succeeding in reaching space.Criticism of the launch was swift. The United States called it a covert test of missile technology, and U.N. Security Council condemned the launch as a violation of resolutions barring Pyongyang from developing its nuclear and missile programs.However, the launch fit neatly into the preparations to mark the first anniversary of Kim's death and the rise of his young son.Even before his death, Kim Jong Il had laid the ground for his son to inherit a government with national policies focused on science, technology and improving the economy. The son has been characterized as forward-thinking and tech-savvy  and the kind of man bold enough to take a gamble on a tricky rocket launch.A launch in April, sent amid festivities to mark the centenary of the birth of North Korea founder Kim Il Sung, ended in failure shortly after liftoff.Kim Jong Un made clear his intention to treat Wednesday's successful launch as a gift to his father.He invited scientists in charge of the launch from a west coast launch pad to Pyongyang for the mourning rites, including a visit to the mausoleum where Kim Jong Il's body is believed to be lying in state "to report to him" on the success of the launch, according to state media. Kim Jong Il's body has not been seen since the funeral that followed his Dec. 17, 2011, death of a heart attack. The mausoleum that houses the embalmed body of his father, Kim Il Sung, is expected to reopen this week. Both bodies will then be on display. The mood in North Korea has been subdued this month in the run-up to the anniversary. However, news of the launch cheered people and the regime held a mass rally on Friday at the main plaza in Pyongyang. Starting Saturday, North Koreans began streaming to a bronze statue of Kim on Mansu Hill and to Kim Il Sung Square to pay their respects, many laying white mourning flowers and bowing before his image. On Sunday, a solemn Kim Jong Un joined the memorial service at the Pyongyang Indoor Stadium on the eve of the anniversary of Kim Jong Il's death. Kim, whose entrances and exits usually are accompanied by a triumphant welcome song and a swell of cheers, entered the stage in silence, followed by top Workers' Party, government and Korean People's Army officials, as well as his aunt and uncle.A military band played the militaristic "Song of Gen. Kim Jong Il" as officials and the audience bowed toward the massive portrait of Kim hung above the stage.Tight security surrounded the gymnasium near Pyongyang's Pothong Gate. Armed soldiers in helmets posted along the street outside diverted traffic and pedestrians while more guarded every entrance to the building. The handful of foreign journalists allowed to cover the event, including The Associated Press, were searched by armed soldiers.In his speech, Kim Yong Nam called Kim Jong Il a "peerless patriot" who strengthened the military and stood up to the United States. The U.S. and North Korea signed a truce, not a peace treaty, at the close of the 1950-53 Korean War, and Pyongyang cites American troops in South Korea as a key reason for building its atomic weapons program. As the hourlong ceremony came to a close, the band briefly played the mournful refrain to "The General Will Always be With Us." After the musicians put down their instruments, Kim Jong Un stood up and led a silent procession out.