For IMMEDIATE Release – October 7, 2012
Responsible Nations Must Continue to Promote Democracy
and Human Rights in Venezuela, Ros-Lehtinen Says
(WASHINGTON) – U.S. Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, made the following statement regarding the results of the Venezuelan presidential elections. Statement by Ros-Lehtinen:
“It is unfortunate that Chavez has retained his grip on power in Venezuela. Chavez has denied access to international election monitors, employed last minute ballot changes, controlled the judicial system, harassed independent journalists, and consolidated his power to manipulate the vote in his favor.
“Chavez must not be allowed to continue to export his hate and despotism abroad like his fellow dictators in Iran and Cuba through the oppression of the press and violation of human rights. The United States and responsible nations must remain steadfast in our defense of democracy and freedom and not bow to Chavez’s tyranny.
