Chavez intends to create a new Cuba, say the Brazilian media

Chávez intends to create a new Cuba, say the Brazilian media

Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is trying to turn his country into a
"new Cuba" and this may weaken Mercosur democratic mindset, commented
Wednesday major Brazilian newspapers.

"Chávez heads at full speed for a totalitarian state," said O Globo
concerning Chávez' decision to nationalize major companies during his
new six-year term started Wednesday with the banner of the 21st Century
Socialism, AFP reported.

"The president is increasingly willing to turn Venezuela into a new
Cuba," O Globo added. Like other media, the newspaper criticized Chávez
for reversing a broadcasting license to a dissenting TV channel and
lashing out at Organization of American States (OAS) Secretary-General
José María Insulza.

O Globo warned against the "risk that Chávez could make Mercosur to lose
moral strength." Venezuela joined last year the trade bloc composed of
Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.

http://www.eluniversal.com/2007/01/10/en_pol_art_10A822903.shtml