Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08CARACAS302
2008-03-04 22:02:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Caracas
Cable title:
BADUEL CRITICIZES MOBILIZATION
how-toVZCZCXYZ9126 PP RUEHWEB DE RUEHCV #0302 0642202 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 042202Z MAR 08 FM AMEMBASSY CARACAS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0737 INFO RUCNMEM/EU MEMBER STATES COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHWH/WESTERN HEMISPHERIC AFFAIRS DIPL POSTS PRIORITY RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY RUMIAAA/HQ USSOUTHCOM MIAMI FL PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 000302
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPARTMENT PASS TO AID/OTI
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/04/2018
TAGS: PGOV KDEM MOPS VE
SUBJECT: BADUEL CRITICIZES MOBILIZATION
REF: CARACAS 000286
Classified By: Robert Downes, Political Counselor, for Reason 1.4(d)
C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 000302
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPARTMENT PASS TO AID/OTI
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/04/2018
TAGS: PGOV KDEM MOPS VE
SUBJECT: BADUEL CRITICIZES MOBILIZATION
REF: CARACAS 000286
Classified By: Robert Downes, Political Counselor, for Reason 1.4(d)
1. (SBU) In a March 4 press conference Former Minister of
Defense Raul Baduel joined the Venezuelan opposition parties
(Reftel) in criticizing President Chavez's March 2 order to
mobilize Venezuelan National Armed Forces (FAN) to the
Colombian border. Baduel qualified Venezuela's actions as
disproportionate given that neither Venezuelan sovereignty
nor interests were violated. He stressed that this was a
conflict between Colombia and Ecuador.
2. (SBU) Baduel also called Chavez's actions an act of
desperation aimed at boosting his "dwindling popularity" at
the cost of the Venezuelan people. Baduel called on the FAN
to be wary of Chavez's attempts to utilize them in pursuit of
his own political and personalistic projects. The Former
Defense Minister argued that the military is responsible for
upholding Venezuela's national interests, but not individual
political interests.
3. (C) Comment. Baduel was an important advocate for the
"No" vote in the December 2, 2007, constitutional referendum.
He is believed to still have some influence among FAN
members, although most observers believe he lost considerable
influence once he was replaced as Defense Minister. These
observers also believe Baduel's statements against Chavez's
constitutional revisions contributed to their defeat and
undermined somewhat his support among some Chavistas.
Baduel's recent statements give additional clout to the
opposition parties' criticism of Chavez's actions and may
undermine Chavez' uphill efforts to mobilize Venezuelan
public opinion against Colombia. End Comment.
DUDDY
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPARTMENT PASS TO AID/OTI
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/04/2018
TAGS: PGOV KDEM MOPS VE
SUBJECT: BADUEL CRITICIZES MOBILIZATION
REF: CARACAS 000286
Classified By: Robert Downes, Political Counselor, for Reason 1.4(d)
1. (SBU) In a March 4 press conference Former Minister of
Defense Raul Baduel joined the Venezuelan opposition parties
(Reftel) in criticizing President Chavez's March 2 order to
mobilize Venezuelan National Armed Forces (FAN) to the
Colombian border. Baduel qualified Venezuela's actions as
disproportionate given that neither Venezuelan sovereignty
nor interests were violated. He stressed that this was a
conflict between Colombia and Ecuador.
2. (SBU) Baduel also called Chavez's actions an act of
desperation aimed at boosting his "dwindling popularity" at
the cost of the Venezuelan people. Baduel called on the FAN
to be wary of Chavez's attempts to utilize them in pursuit of
his own political and personalistic projects. The Former
Defense Minister argued that the military is responsible for
upholding Venezuela's national interests, but not individual
political interests.
3. (C) Comment. Baduel was an important advocate for the
"No" vote in the December 2, 2007, constitutional referendum.
He is believed to still have some influence among FAN
members, although most observers believe he lost considerable
influence once he was replaced as Defense Minister. These
observers also believe Baduel's statements against Chavez's
constitutional revisions contributed to their defeat and
undermined somewhat his support among some Chavistas.
Baduel's recent statements give additional clout to the
opposition parties' criticism of Chavez's actions and may
undermine Chavez' uphill efforts to mobilize Venezuelan
public opinion against Colombia. End Comment.
DUDDY