Ex-general: Cubans involved in Chavez's military
By IAN JAMES
Associated Press Writer
CARACAS, Venezuela -- A former Venezuelan army general on Thursday
denounced what he called the widespread involvement of Cuban troops in
President Hugo Chavez's military.
Former Brig. Gen. Antonio Rivero, who used to head the government's
emergency management agency, said his decision to retire from the army
this month was motivated mainly by "the presence and meddling of Cuban
soldiers" in Venezuela's armed forces.
He told reporters that Cubans are now involved in training troops,
including courses for snipers, and are also playing a role in
intelligence, weapons, communications and other areas. There was no
immediate reaction from Chavez's government.
Rivero's televised remarks add to claims by government critics that
Cuban advisers and operatives hold various positions in the government
and military.
Opposition politician Julio Borges demanded earlier this month that the
government provide information about Cubans working for the government,
saying "never before in our history have we allowed citizens of another
country to assume key posts associated with national security."
Borges said without providing details that Cuban advisers are now
working at high levels in ports administration, telecommunications,
immigration, the police, the electrical sector and the key oil industry.
As director of the emergency management agency, Rivero used to be the
voice of the government in responding to disasters including plane
crashes and floods. He was replaced in that post in 2008 after five
years and returned to his army duties.
Rivero said in his infantry division there were "classes like the one
for snipers" where Cuban soldiers and personnel provided training.
He said Cubans were also involved in teaching military doctrine at the
command level, and are also in divisions like military engineering.
Cubans, he said, are now placed "at a high level in vital areas of
national security."
Rivero also denounced the "politicization" of the military, including
the slogan soldiers now repeat when saluting: "Socialist homeland or
death!" Among other complaints, he condemned Chavez's enlistment of
supporters in a growing civilian militia and said it's improper for the
president, a civilian, to wear a military uniform as Chavez often does.
Chavez, a former paratroop commander, has made Cuba his closest ally
since he took office in 1999. He often visits Fidel Castro, calling him
a mentor, and has praised Cuba as a "revolutionary democracy."
Venezuela has also become a key economic benefactor to Cuba, sending the
island about 100,000 barrels of oil a day on preferential terms in
exchange for the services of thousands of Cuban doctors, whose work in
free clinics has helped boost Chavez's political support.
During a speech to Cubans in that medical mission last week, Chavez told
the crowd: "Cubans, I tell you speaking from the heart, I feel like I'm
from Cuba now. I feel like I'm one more Cuban."
During a meeting in Caracas this week, neither Chavez nor Cuban
President Raul Castro publicly discussed details of Cuban advisers'
other government roles.
The Cuban president said before leaving on Wednesday that he is pleased
relations are growing stronger. Increasingly, Castro said, "we're the
same thing."
http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/04/22/1593381/ex-general-cubans-involved-in.html
No comments:
Post a Comment