July 9th
Chilean President Michelle Bachelet is yet to decide whether her country is to endorse Venezuela to occupy a non-permanent in the United Nations Security Council, but she ratified that Chiles is to endorse the creation of the International Crime Court to prosecute war crimes, which the United States rejects.

In a vast interview with El Mercurio newspaper on July 9th, Bachelet was asked whether she would back Venezuela's initiative to become a member of the UN Security Council, considering the fact that Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez endorsed the controversial launching of test missiles by North Korea.

Bachelet showed concern about "arm races or the development of missiles such as the ones North Korea has developed that may endanger world peace." She added that both the international community and the UN Security Council should take the relevant measures, AP reported.

Bachelet said her administration "would make the decision at the right time" on Chilean support either to Guatemala or Venezuela to the Security Council. She hinted she would make the choice based on "the interest of the country and aiming at a policy of greater regional inclusion."

Peruvian President-elect Alan García proposed finding an alternative to Venezuela candidacy to occupy a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.

His remarks came during an interview on July 9th with Televisión Nacional de Chile. García and Venezuelan ruler Hugo Chávez clashed bitterly during the Peruvian electoral campaign.

García suggested finding "more rational people because the Security Council, where Chile and Peru are supporting Brazil as a permanent member, needs stable, democratic governments," DPA reported.

Regarding Chile, which has not decided whether it will support Caracas or Guatemala (the US candidate), García would not comment.

"Countries are free and sovereign in their decisions. I am sure not many countries are going to vote Venezuela because not all of the countries depend on the black gold and the alms of Mr. Chávez," he said, but he did reject claims that he is leading a movement against the Venezuelan ruler, saying that Chávez "is not that important."

García's statements came at a time when he and Chávez showed willingness to overcome their differences. But there are indications that tensions are to escalate, since García labeled Chávez as a transient "military ruler."

July 10th
Venezuelan Foreign Affairs vice-minister for Latin America and the Caribbean Pavel Rondón said the fight Venezuela is waging to occupy a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council is against the United States, "that has repeatedly stated its opposition to such a possibility."

July 12th
Foreign Vice-Minister for North American Affairs Mari Pili Hernández made a presentation where she provided details on Venezuela's attempts at joining the United Nations (UN) Security Council. During her speech, the official questioned the US intent to veto the move.

Hernández claimed that no Security Council permanent member is entitled to prevent other UN member state from taking part in the Security Council. "This is what the United States tries to do."

"This country has unleashed an enraged international campaign against the desire of our country to be in the Security Council. It is a covered veto, because it cannot do it legally," she denounced.

"There is no way to accept that the United States can use its power and position within the Security Council to lobby against the Venezuelan legitimate desire."

"How a small country like Venezuela could damage the United States? Why the United States is so upset at the possibility that Venezuela will become a member of the UN Security Council?" she wondered.

July 13th
US Ambassador to Venezuela William Brownfield rebutted the remarks of Foreign Vice-Minister for North American Affairs Mari Pili Hernández. Previously, the senior official had claimed that the US Government tried to veto and launched a campaign to prevent Venezuela from joining the United Nations (UN) Security Council.

"I will not answer to controversial or rude remarks. However, I will say that right away there is a decision to choose incoming members of the Security Council. The United States has a vote in this process, just like Venezuela and the remaining 190 members of the UN General Assembly," the diplomat commented.
 
Choosing another country to join the Security Council has nothing to do with moral, he clarified. "Among all the elements considered by us to make our choice, the candidates' moral was not included in our estimates."

On July 12th, Hernández stated, "Venezuela's moral is so high as to bother the immoral ones. For this reason, the United States is really annoyed that we apply for a post at the Security Council."

The US State Department declared on July 13th that Venezuela's inclusion in the United Nations (UN) Security Council could have a negative impact on the battle against international terrorism. Previously, a congressman stated that the country was close to be considered a promoter of terror, AP quoted.

According to Franc C. Urbancic, number two in the State Department coordination office against terrorism, the Government of Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez is "unfortunately a regime not in line with the world."
 
"We should use all the tools available, in cooperation with our increasing network of partners, to build long lasting solutions beyond violence," he added.

The remarks was made after Ed Royce, the chair of the House subcommittee on international terrorism and non-proliferation, pointed out that a "thin line" separated Venezuela from being regarded by the United States as a "promoter state" of terrorism.