Chavez's Push for UN Council Seat Sets Up a Showdown With U.S.

[cal04]

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who last month called President George W. Bush the ``devil'' in a United Nations speech, is facing determined opposition from the U.S. over his bid for a regular platform at the world body.

Venezuela is pushing for a seat on the Security Council for the next two years, arguing that its independent voice is needed on the UN's principal policy-making panel. The U.S. is lobbying for Guatemala to get the spot that will go to a Latin American nation in an Oct. 16 vote of the General Assembly.

``They are playing hardball,'' said Mexican Ambassador Enrique Berruga, whose government backs Guatemala. ``Having the Americans support your candidacy is a double-edged sword. But Chavez delivered a polarizing speech, and many believe it would not be a good idea to have them on the Security Council.''

(snip)
Mexico's Berruga and other envoys said Guatemala and Venezuela both may fall short of the 128 votes needed for election. Either Costa Rica or the Dominican Republic, which are in line for seats in 2007, may become a third contender this year, he said.

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601070&sid=aHbR19zyxptU&refer=home

[rinsd]

1. Sorry Hugo, we have quite enough dick wavers on the Security Council

[EFerrari]

3. Yeah. Too bad most of them are Americans.

Wait -- Bolton has no dick.

:)

[Megahurtz]

7. Lol!

:D

[Zhade]

2. Go Chavez!

NT!

[Vidar]

4. Viva Chavez!

[High Plains]

5. Hmm, Venezuela or Guatemala to represent Latin America?

If we want a Latin American country on the security council that will represent corporate America, that would be Guatemala.

If we want a Latin American country on the security council that will represent signficant political currents in Latin America, that would be Venezuela.

Regardless of the political leanings of the respective governments, Venezuela seems to be a more representative choice--a large, economically and politically powerful country in South America.

[bigluckyfeet]

6. Viva Chavez is Right

Power to the People