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US seeks explanation from Venezuela over embassy cargo seizure
AFP
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld.com 08 26 06
The United States on Friday sought an immediate explanation from Venezuela over the impounding of a US embassy cargo by authorities in Caracas amid tense bilateral relations.
The State Department charged that Venezuelan authorities on Thursday "improperly opened, searched and impounded" the embassy cargo that had arrived on a US military C-17 aircraft at Caracas's Maiquetia airport.
"The department lodged a formal complaint to that effect and we have requested an immediate explanation of the entire incident from the Venezuelan authorities," department spokesman Kurtis Cooper said.
The authorities, he said, had carried out the search even though US officials followed required regulations and provided the necessary documentation for the shipment.
He said that at first the authorities had cleared the vehicles carrying the cargo to exit the airport, but then "suddenly and without explanation" denied them permission to leave and insisted on a search.
"The action was a departure from long established procedures for routine incoming shipments," Cooper said, adding that the cargo comprised household effects of an American diplomat and shipment of commissary goods.
"The search of household goods outside the terms of Article 36/2 of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations was a violation of Venezuelan obligations under that treaty," he said.
The administration of President George W. Bush has had thorny relations with Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, whose country is the fourth-largest supplier of oil to the United States.
Washington has charged Chavez's government with restricting the freedom of the press and harassing the opposition, while Chavez frequently criticizes Bush for the Iraq war and has openly called the US leader a "coward" and a "murderer".
One week ago the United States announced it had named a special "manager" for its intelligence operations against Venezuela and Cuba, in effect putting the two nations on a par with "axis of evil" states confronted by the Bush administration.
Chavez later said it was part of a US effort to oust him.
AFP 25 2020 GMT 08 06
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