Politics
"There can be no freedom without limits, except for the freedom of the powerful people, who want to raze and trample the weak in the world," admonished President Hugo Chávez on Wednesday. The ruler asked radio owners to observe Venezuela's Constitution and law; otherwise, "they should move to the jungle (...) with Tarzan of the Apes, where there are no laws, regulations or rules."

During a press conference with foreign correspondents in the Palace of Miraflores, the official seat of the president of Venezuela, Chávez added that "journalism in Venezuela has degenerated significantly." Further, the ruler made reference to the radio stations that were closed under a decision from the National Telecommunications Commission (Conatel).

Chávez claimed that the owners of radio stations in Venezuela believe that once they have been granted a concession they can "do whatever they want (...) But what about the law?"

During the four-hour press conference, broadcast on state-run TV network Venezolana de Televisión (VTV), Chávez added that "the laws have been tools made by the rich to consolidate their power over the impoverished majorities (...) We are drafting laws that annoy the rich."

The Venezuelan leader recalled that he "recently" asked the National Assembly for new special ruling powers. "I told lawmakers: If you have excess work or you do not have enough time, then give me special ruling powers once again. I could draft new laws. This is under consideration. I like drafting laws but I lack the powers. I have several laws in mind. Do you want one?" Chávez told reporters.

When asked about the Draft Special Law against Media Crimes, Chávez declined to reply. "That is not my job. Let us the branches of power act," he said. Then, Chávez quoted Pope John Paul II: "there can be no freedom without limits." "I can not carry a gun around thinking that, since I was granted a permit by the Department of Arms and Explosives, National Armed Forces (Darfa), I am free to shoot whoever I want," he mentioned as an example.

Chávez highlighted that his government has succeeded in "leading this revolution by a peaceful path." He referred to the leader of far-left wing party Unidad Popular Venezolana (UPV). "Lina Ron has been rightly put in jail. Imagine 500 Linas imposing their will; it would bring about chaos, violence and death. This peaceful revolution has prevented chaos and we will prevent it in the future," Chávez concluded.

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas

María Lilibeth Da Corte
EL UNIVERSAL