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Earlier this year, the Latin American & Caribbean Economic System (SELA) convened a forum in Caracas on the protection of the region's folklore, traditional knowledge and genetic resources.Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has launched what he calls the 'Admirable Campaign' 2010-2012; while opposition launches 'Perfect Alliance' 2009-2010. Speaking of new terms, both opposition and the government have initiated electoral slogans for parliamentary elections set for September 2010.
Primero Justicia (PJ) leader, Julio Borges has outlined a timetable for what he dubs the 'Perfect Alliance' of more than 50 political and civil society groups.
Speaking as representative of the Round Table of Democratic Unity, the latest opposition alliance, Borges declared that the timetable already started November 19 with discussions on rules, and should be ready in two weeks. In January, a list of circuits that will definitely hold primaries, and those reaching a consensus on the choice of candidates, will be drawn up. Primaries will take place in April after two months of "agreement talks" and candidates should be presented to the public before April 30.
According to Borges, the choice of the phrase the 'perfect alliance' dates from 2005 when the opposition showed maturity and seriousness in choosing candidates.
President Chavez has called his election strategy the 'Admirable Campaign' after Simon Bolivar's military campaign in 1813 to capture Venezuela starting in the border state of Tachira and ending up in Caracas within five months where he set up the Second Republic. His 'Admirable Campaign' will cover parliamentary elections lasting from what remains of 2009 till 2012 when presidential elections will be held.
The dates were announced after a lightning meeting with Fidel Castro two days ago.
It would appear that some vice ministers and institution hacks are not tuned in. During the signing of agreements with Iran last night, the President criticized a housing project which a Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) hierarch first said would finish in 2011, but ended up admitting that the project would be ready in 2013. Not good enough, challenged Chavez, because presidential elections are in 2012 and the official ignored political implications.
Furthermore, Chavez maintained that it is not enough to state the year a project will finish because the day and month must also be tendered.
It all boils down to serious and detailed planning, Chavez chided ... and he wants to see the Iran-Venezuela Fund (opened yesterday) handing out credits without delay and without too much bureaucracy.
Patrick J. O'Donoghue
news.editor@vheadline.com
