http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/L/LT_VENEZUELA_US_OBAMA?SITE=NCAGW&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2011-12-19-13-03-16 CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) -- President Barack Obama criticized Venezuela's rights record and its ties to Iran and Cuba, telling a Venezuelan newspaper in comments published Monday that he is concerned about threats to democracy in the country.
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has long feuded with Washington, though Obama's remarks, published by the newspaper El Universal, were some of his most critical to date.
"We're concerned about the government's actions which have restricted the universal rights of the Venezuelan people, threatened basic democratic values, and failed to contribute to the security in the region," Obama said in written responses to questions from the newspaper.
"In Venezuela, we have been deeply concerned to see action taken to restrict the freedom of the press, and to erode the separation of powers that is necessary for democracy to thrive," Obama said. "In all countries of the region, we want to see elections that are free and fair."
What a bunch of garbage. They supply ALL of our military with fuel. Now bammy is upset at them?
