REYES THEIS
EL UNIVERSAL

"Forget about renewal. This will not happen ever," said Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez to reassert his decision not to renew a broadcasting license to Caracas-based private TV network RCTV.

"What you should accept is a fact that is quite clear: the license is expiring and the state has the right to grant this permit to citizens under any other form," Chávez Sunday during his radio and TV show ¡Aló, Presidente! (Hello, President!), broadcast from a ranch "rescued" by the Venezuelan Government in Urachiche, central Yaracuy state.

"People who believe they can put pressure on me by appealing to international organizations, foreign governments, and the evil court of this and that, with demonstrations, forget it! You are not going to put pressure on me; with nothing and for nothing. Just accept it. If you cannot face it, it is up to you. And if you believe you are overthrowing my government, you are wrong again, and this will be worse for you," the Venezuelan ruler warned, and reminded that RCTV broadcasting license expires next May 27.

According to Chávez, there are plots under way to overthrow his government. In this connection, he stated: "Messieurs Minister of Defense, of the Interior and Justice, governors, and mayors, start preparing your counteroffensive plans. If they attack, our counterattack will be overwhelming, with civilian and military forces."

Socialist power
Chávez branded the media as "swine," claiming they have manipulated his remarks on his 21st-century socialism, and once again invited the military to "undertake the socialist project." He added "it is a must for Venezuelan military officers."

In Chávez' view, people slashing out at his call for the military to support his socialist plans "are arguing this is proselytism, but all they want is we, you, generals, officers, sub-officers and troops to go back to what you were in the past: the tools the capitalism used to exploit people."

He stated that "the Armed Force is a political instrument" and has the last word as to the fate of the people. "The Armed Force has an obligation to support the decision of the majority, and the majority here endorsed socialism. The Armed Force has no other choice than supporting the people's lawful and constitutional decision."

Price regulation for private clinics
Chávez announced he is drafting a resolution -under the Enabling Law that granted him special ruling powers- to "regulate exploitation in private clinics."

"Any clinic failing to comply shall be closed down. Perhaps we could use its premises to install (government primary healthcare plan Barrio Adentro -mostly administered by Cuban doctors), or we could use it as a popular clinic. That is why I am making this a resolution applicable nationwide."

"If there is need to expropriate, expropriation will take effect immediately. We have no complex about anything."

Further, Chávez once again urged political organization supporting his revolutionary process to join his United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV).

Finally, Chávez claimed that the United States has okayed his assassination, and labeled US President George W. Bush' administration as "terrorist" for the release last week of Cuban anti-Castro militant Luis Posada Carriles.

Translated by Maryflor Suárez R.
msuarez@eluniversal.com