Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08CARACAS752
2008-05-30 21:27:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Caracas
how-toVZCZCXRO7617 PP RUEHAG RUEHROV DE RUEHCV #0752 1512127 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 302127Z MAY 08 FM AMEMBASSY CARACAS TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 1205 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 000752
SIPDIS
HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPT FOR AID/OTI (RPORTER)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/30/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL SCUL VE
SUBJECT: RCTV CLOSURE - ONE YEAR ON
REF: CARACAS 000679
Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR ROBERT DOWNES,
REASON 1.4 (D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L CARACAS 000752
SIPDIS
HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPT FOR AID/OTI (RPORTER)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/30/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL SCUL VE
SUBJECT: RCTV CLOSURE - ONE YEAR ON
REF: CARACAS 000679
Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR ROBERT DOWNES,
REASON 1.4 (D)
1. (C) May 28, 2008 marked the one year anniversary of the
revocation of Radio Caracas Television's (RCTV) free-to-air
broadcast license by the BRV, which sparked student activism
throughout Venezuela. RCTV staff and student groups
organized a peaceful protest march through Caracas. Five
students were permitted to pass through a heavy police
presence to meet with two deputies in the National Assembly.
The crowds were generally smaller than those one year ago,
due both to the diminished drawing power of the cause as well
as inclement weather. While public demonstrations were
smaller in size, media coverage was extensive.
2. (C) Comment. Inclement weather undoubtedly played a
strong role in the lowered numbers, but the RCTV issue has
clearly lost some of its momentum. Food shortages, lack of
security, the upcoming November gubernatorial and mayoral
elections, and a host of other issues have overtaken RCTV in
terms of drawing power and public discontent. The student
movement remains deeply engaged in the cause, as well as in
other issues, but is now starting to organize marches and
other public displays in advance of the November elections.
End Comment.
DUDDY
SIPDIS
HQSOUTHCOM ALSO FOR POLAD
DEPT FOR AID/OTI (RPORTER)
E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/30/2018
TAGS: PGOV PREL SCUL VE
SUBJECT: RCTV CLOSURE - ONE YEAR ON
REF: CARACAS 000679
Classified By: POLITICAL COUNSELOR ROBERT DOWNES,
REASON 1.4 (D)
1. (C) May 28, 2008 marked the one year anniversary of the
revocation of Radio Caracas Television's (RCTV) free-to-air
broadcast license by the BRV, which sparked student activism
throughout Venezuela. RCTV staff and student groups
organized a peaceful protest march through Caracas. Five
students were permitted to pass through a heavy police
presence to meet with two deputies in the National Assembly.
The crowds were generally smaller than those one year ago,
due both to the diminished drawing power of the cause as well
as inclement weather. While public demonstrations were
smaller in size, media coverage was extensive.
2. (C) Comment. Inclement weather undoubtedly played a
strong role in the lowered numbers, but the RCTV issue has
clearly lost some of its momentum. Food shortages, lack of
security, the upcoming November gubernatorial and mayoral
elections, and a host of other issues have overtaken RCTV in
terms of drawing power and public discontent. The student
movement remains deeply engaged in the cause, as well as in
other issues, but is now starting to organize marches and
other public displays in advance of the November elections.
End Comment.
DUDDY