RAQUEL BARREIRO C.
EL UNIVERSAL

Richard Vivas, president of the National Lands Institute (INTI), Wednesday informed that approximately 80 families are to benefit from the "rescue" of La Marqueseña ranch, as well as 60 people currently working in the farm.

He added that even the family Azpúrua, owners of the estate, could be apportioned some hectares under agrarian deeds.

Antonio Albarrán, Agriculture and Lands Minister, had previously stated that President Hugo Chávez' administration would "donate" some 500-1,000 hectares to the Azpúruas.

Vivas added that the Agriculture and Lands Ministry is to prepare production plans to be implemented in the estate. Subsequently, the beneficiaries of agrarian deeds will be granted loans.

"We are pondering the situation of all the people that were outraged -those who are on the borders of La Marqueseña and San Fernando, and inhabitants of Peñalarga. They are living in very poor conditions. You can often find even four families in a mud shack. We have recorded 350 people, in 80 families. They are going to be the beneficiaries of the project," Vivas explained.

Regarding La Marqueseña current productive status, the INTI head said they have allowed all scheduled activities to continue. Vivas clarified that even though they urged Carlos Azpúrua, the ranch owner, to leave the farm, they are now to let the producer finish harvest and move cattle to other estate.

Vivas said they are to continue holding meetings with the Azpúruas. Also, he claimed he did not have any knowledge that President Hugo Chávez' weekly radio and TV show "Hello, President!" would be broadcast next Sunday from La Marqueseña. He added, however, that he was ready to make all preparations for the program, if necessary.
 
Irregularities

Meanwhile, Carlos Azpúrua said the farm is at a standstill. Harvest has been halted, as the military troopers occupying the ranch have prevented them from operating the relevant machinery.

"INTI representatives met with workers, not with me. I know they reached some agreements, but I do not know any details. Some workers were allowed to return to their houses, and some children were allowed to go to school, but my lawyer, Yadira Lugo, could see me for only 10 minutes."

Concerning INTI plans to grant him an agrarian deed for some hectares of La Marqueseña, Azpúrua declared: "They better comply with the law. An action has to be filed in court, as provided by the laws."

He added that broadcasting "Hello, President!" from La Marqueseña would be a great opportunity for Chávez to verify the productive status of the ranch.

"He would be able to gain first-hand knowledge, take a look at animals, agriculture activities. He can drink a cup of coffee, and take a look at the deeds of this land."

Legal representatives of La Marqueseña clarified that the estate is not wasteland, and that Albarrán made a mistake when quoting decree 706 of year 1975.

Translated by Maryflor Suárez