ELVIA GOMEZ
EL UNIVERSAL

With a view to "sow oil" and "wage a war against large estates," President Hugo Chávez Sunday opened an endogenous development center in central Apure state, and launched his so-called integral program for agriculture production and development.

Chávez devoted the last hour of his six-hour show to denounce alleged foreign plans sponsored by the United States to undermine his democratic image.

"Yes, I admit it. I am a threat, but I am a threat for neoliberal capitalism." He quoted statements by the Netherlands Defense minister broadcast by British Channel Four that Chávez is planning an invasion in Aruba.

"This is part of a little campaign to make Europe believe I am a tyrant."

Investment and confiscation
From ranch San Pablo Paeño, in Apure state, Chávez warned that private property does not prevail over the Constitution, adding that the Venezuelan territory is a single unit and any authority is entitled to enter private properties anytime it is required.

On Sunday, the Venezuelan ruler trumpeted the "recovery" of 40,000 hectares that will be granted to 29 cooperatives. The Government also initialed a technological transfer agreement with Agroflora, the Venezuelan representative of British Vestey Group that donated a number of hectares for the ranch.

Agriculture and Lands minister Elías Jaua explained that the 2006 sowing plan is to cover 2.6 million hectares -to meet 80 percent of daily 1,800 kilocalories requirements- and produce 23 million tons of agriculture produces. Investment was estimated at USD 2.4 billion.

Chávez reprimanded Apure state governor Jesús Aguilarte for his delay in fighting large estates.

Electoral campaign
Chávez wondered where his rivals for next December 3rd presidential election are. He reiterated that his opponents are determined to denounce electoral fraud. He said the dissent, with US support, would establish a "pink revolution," just like the "gringos" did in Ukraine.

He ensured that he is leading surveys by 60 points over his closest rival. Chávez asserted that the opposition lacks leaders.

Further, once again the Venezuelan ruler threatened to amend the Constitution to allow for indefinite presidential re-election, in the event that his foes do not run for the upcoming presidential poll.

Additionally, Chávez instructed the minister of the Interior and Justice, Jesse Chacón, to improve relations with the Catholic Church and "seek a way to correct things that go wrong."

Translated by Maryflor Suárez R.

Elvia Gomez
EL UNIVERSAL