Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07CARACAS2077
2007-10-25 21:07:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Caracas
Cable title:  

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PROTEST CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

Tags:  PGOV KDEM PHUM VE 
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ZNY CCCCC ZZH
P 252107Z OCT 07
FM AMEMBASSY CARACAS
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9976
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C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 002077 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPT PASS TO AID/OTI RPORTER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/25/2017
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PHUM VE
SUBJECT: UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PROTEST CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

Classified By: ACTING DCM ROBERT DOWNES, REASON 1.4(D)

C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 002077

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPT PASS TO AID/OTI RPORTER

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/25/2017
TAGS: PGOV KDEM PHUM VE
SUBJECT: UNIVERSITY STUDENTS PROTEST CONSTITUTIONAL REFORMS

Classified By: ACTING DCM ROBERT DOWNES, REASON 1.4(D)


1. (U) In spite of a steady rain, violent pro-Chavez
counter-protesters, delayed permits, and National Guard
roadblocks preventing additional student protesters from
entering Caracas, some 20,000 students marched through
downtown Caracas October 23 protesting Chavez' proposed
constitutional reforms and calling for the referendum to be
postponed until February 3, 2008 so that voters better
understand the reforms.


2. (U) Many of the marchers carried signs and chanted
anti-Chavez slogans. Although the National Guard blocked the
marchers from reaching the National Assembly building, four
student leaders were permitted to meet with 25 members of the
National Assembly. The National Guard was far from neutral,
as it failed to adequately control pro-Chavez
counter-protesters who threw glass, fireworks and stones.
There were also reports of roaming motorcades, adorned in red
(the color of pro-Chavez organizations),attempting to
intimidate protesters. A smaller student protest was held in
Lara state.


3. (C) Comment. Contrary to its initial, more heavy-handed
suppression of student demonstrations in June, the Chavez
government handled these protests more astutely as there were
only a few minor injuries. Given government obstacles and
inclement weather, the student protest, the largest since the
June demonstrations to protest the closing of RCTV, was
relatively successful. The students plan a follow-up march
to the National Electoral Commission (CNE) on November 2 and
remain an important factor in the anti-Chavez movement. End
Comment.

FRENCH