Hugo Chavez visits Honduras to negotiate Petro Caribe deal

Controversial Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez visited Tegucigalpa last week, with security measures heretofore unseen. “Capitalinos” woke up on Tuesday to witness the arrival of one of the few enemies of U.S. President George Bush, as Chavez’ caval­cade of vehicles made its way to “Casa Presidencial” for talks with Honduran President Zelaya, mostly about negotiations involving PetroCaribe.

Expectation from the media was immense and opinions were diverse, many in favor of the visit and many against. Chavez arrived in his Airbus A-320, modified as a presidential plane, immaculately decorated with the colors of the Bolivarian Venezuelan Republic flag. It is an airplane that not many Latin-American govern­ments can afford, evidence that a country rich in petroleum can boost its leaders.

Representatives from different Honduran ethnic groups waited for Chavez’ arrival at Hernan Acosta Mejia Air Base, located just south of Toncontin Airport. African drums of the Honduran Garifunas were ready as well as many left-leaning admirers of the charismatic South American leader.

In an improvised press confer­ence upon his arrival, Chavez stated that his country was willing to supply fuel to Honduras if its government and National Congress approved. He went on to explain that the agreement with PetroCaribe would be to supply 100% of Honduran petroleum.

At the same time, Chavez announced that, in December of last year, Venezuela reduced a bilateral Honduran debt owed to Venezuela by 30 million dollars. He also announced substantial advances in the negotiation of the contract of hydrocarbon supplying by PetroCaribe.

Chavez proposed the creation of a mixed commission that will work in making the PetroCaribe initiative a reality, while in direct reference to his critics, stated “let them say what they want to say.”

The initiative states that Honduras pays 60 percent in 90 days, and the other 40 percent will be invested over a 25 year term, with a two year grace period, at one percent annual interest. “This represents a donation of 80 percent,” illustrated Chávez.

The 40 percent left to the Government of Honduras repre­sents 300 million dollars, The Venezuelan president extended an invitation to Zelaya Rosales to visit his country in order to deepen contacts in social subjects of health, energy, economics, education, industry, science and technology.

“For many years, we have been back to back. It is now the hour to face each other and to make the dreams of Morazán and Bolivar a reality,” emphasized Chávez.

Chavez then was then presented at the presidential house, where the diplomatic body, political dele­gates of international organizations, authorities of public offices, private entrepreneurs, human rights activ­ists and special guests, gave a warm welcome to the Venezuelan president. Zelaya proclaimed: “President Hugo Chávez Fri’as, commander of the Bolivarian Revolution, I give you the warmest welcome to the land of (Francisco) Morazán, the (Simón) Bolivar of Central America.”

Zelaya said the moment is important to make an “analysis of the PetroCaribe initiative and to apply it to Honduras,” which already offers benefits to 16 coun­tries in the Caribbean, South America and Central America.

“Today, we have negotiated extensively, an agreement that once formalized, will be taken to the National Congress on January 21. Once it is authorized by the State, it will be returned to the legislative chamber for its ratifica­tion, according to Honduran laws,” assured the Honduran president.

“Hondurans need to accept this initiative as a means to continue our growth process, our develop­ment and a means by which to reduce poverty. Opposition will mean the people will pay the oil invoice, at a substantial cost to the economy.” Zelaya said that the State always looks for alternatives to help the people, and to him, the PetroCaribe initiative offers the best solution.

“This is not to make countries dependent on Venezuela; no, we are the children of Bolivar, we want to cooperate in the spirit of freedom for all nations, to provide security for all people,” said Chavez.

He maintained that Venezuela supports to consolidate a platform that allows Latin American coun­tries energy security for the entire 21st century. “Hondurans should not have to worry about petroleum supplies. We will collaborate and cooperate so that you have the gas and fuel necessary,” emphasized the Venezuelan leader.

Chavez made it clear that he did not come as a capitalist and would be willing to accept other means of payment for the 730 million dollar per year, an extremely high price tag. Chavez pointed out that Argentina pays with linear trac­tors, beef and dairy cattle, elevators and cancer medications. Uruguay pays its invoice to Venezuela with computer software and electrical equipment. Honduras can pay with agricultural products, and goods and services, as does the Cuban government.

The Venezuelan president then went on to Nicaragua, to pay a visit to his friend and ally, President Daniel Ortega, in order to revise the existing agreements between their two governments. As of this writing, the American Embassy did not comment on Chavez’ visit.