Venezuela Denies It's Soft on Drug Smuggling

By IAN JAMES

Associated Press Writer

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - A U.S. decision to brand Venezuela as a country failing to do enough against drug smuggling drew a sharp denial from the Venezuelan government Friday, aggravating tensions between Washington and one of its top oil suppliers.

President Bush criticized President Hugo Chavez's government Thursday, saying the South American nation had ``failed demonstrably'' to make a concerted effort to block shipments of illicit narcotics to the U.S. and Europe last year.

GOI: As if America is "winning the war on drugs."

Vice-President Jose Vicente Rangel said "the United States, as a leading consumer of illegal drugs, had no ``moral authority'' to pass judgment."

Rangel said the U.S. government congratulated Venezuelan authorities last year when they seized 43 tons of drugs, and so far this year seizures have netted 59 tons.

GOI: So, Venezuela increases the number of seizures and they STILL get criticized by Bush. Again Bush is making enemies and this time in our own hemisphere. No wonder Chavez is upset.

I'm just waiting for Bush to invoke the "Monroe Doctrine" to justify an invasion of Venezuela.

The U.S. is the top buyer of Venezuelan oil and you know "we" (Bush) would love to get even more of that oil.

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