Venezuela: US drug report threatens relations

[Bacchus39]

what relations??? Chavez complaining about intervention. love it.

Venezuela: US drug report threatens relations
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090721/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/lt_venezuela_us_drugs



CARACAS, Venezuela – President Hugo Chavez's government criticized a U.S. congressional report on drug trafficking in Venezuela, saying Tuesday that relations cannot be normalized as long as Washington keeps passing judgment on the nation's internal affairs.

The Foreign Ministry condemned Monday's report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office, which said corruption in Venezuela's government and military has allowed drug smuggling to flourish in the country.

Venezuela's "normalization of its political relations with the U.S. government is subject to the ceasing of this intolerable practice," the ministry said, labeling such reports "tools of political blackmail" that allow Washington to impose "interventionist" policies.

The report said U.S. officials believe corruption has led to a permissive environment for drug smugglers. It also cited concerns that Venezuela has helped Colombian rebels and other armed groups financed by drug sales "by providing significant support and safe haven along the border."

Chavez, who has defended his government's counter-drug efforts, dismissed the report in a speech Tuesday as an attempt to demonize his government and label Venezuela a "narco-state."

"It's an attack formation against Venezuela," he said.

Earlier reports released this year by the U.S. State Department criticized Venezuela's human rights record and efforts to fight human trafficking, terrorism and drug smuggling.

Chavez's relations with the United States remain strained even though he and President Barack Obama's administration decided last month to restore their ambassadors — nine months after Chavez expelled Washington's envoy. U.S. officials say they hope for improved dialogue and more counter-drug cooperation.