2012; Venezuelan Government Called President Obama’s Comments about Hugo Chavez “Despicable”

In 2011, President Chavez was diagnosed with cancer. Medical treatments were not successful in stopping its spread and his condition steadily deteriorated. In December 2012, Chavez was in a hospital in Cuba after his fourth operation.

In an interview with WLTV Univision 23 in Miami on December 13, President Obama was asked about his message for the Venezuelan people. Obama’s response was:

·       “The most important thing is to remember that the future of Venezuela should be in the hands of the Venezuelan people. We’ve seen from Chavez in the past authoritarian policies, suppression of dissent.”

The Venezuelan government reacted with fury at Obama’s comments at a time of national anxiety over his battle to recover from cancer surgery.[1] The comments were seen as showing no concern for the massive, collective emotional difficulties millions in the country were experiencing due to Chavez’s failing health.

The Venezuelan government issued a statement on December 14:[2]

·       “With these despicable comments at such a delicate moment for Venezuela, the U.S. President is responsible for a major deterioration in bilateral relations, proving the continuity of his policy of aggression and disrespect towards our country.”

1.    Guardian, Venezuela hits out at Barack Obama’s remarks on ‘authoritarian’ Hugo Chavez, December 14, 2012

2.    Reuters, Venezuela furious at Obama’s comments on ailing Chavez, December 14, 2012

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