US denies Maduro airspace access for China trip: Venezuela

[cali]

The United States has refused permission for President Nicolas Maduro's plane to fly through its airspace when the Venezuelan leader travels to China this weekend, Caracas said Thursday.

Maduro's government received word from US authorities that the plane was denied rights to American airspace over the Atlantic, Foreign Minister Elias Jaua told reporters in decrying the decision as an "insult."

"We denounce this as another insult of North American imperialism against the government," Jaua said.

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http://www.france24.com/en/20130920-us-denies-maduro-airspace-access-china-trip-venezuela

[dipsydoodle]

1. I'm trying to figure

why the air route form Venezuela to China would cross the Atlantic as opposed to the Pacific.

Aside from that it seems an odd decision by the US although it may help to get the US kicked out of the OAS eventually.

[Zater]

3. Maybe for re-fueling purposes, not sure

When I see a map of the Pacific I see few places to refuel a plane on the way there.

[dipsydoodle]

2. US has denied visas for UN visit too for some diplomats.

Maduro said Washington has also denied visas to high level members of its UN delegation.

http://www.scmp.com/news/world/article/1313598/us-accused-denying-its-airspace-china-bound-venezuelan-president

[maddezmom]

4. Not sure what is going on but State Dept has denied it

http://www.cnn.com/2013/09/19/world/americas/venezuela-us-presidential-plane/

[kelliekat44]

5. This makes no sense to me. We should be building relationships with SA not destroying them. nt

[geek tragedy]

6. Aww, little Nicky wants some attention.

Probably jealous of the sympathy and apologies Correa got.

How's his 'scientific' investigation into who gave Hugo Chavez going?

[Warren Stupidity]

7. Democratic socialism scares you.

[geek tragedy]

8. An ironically authoritarian comment from you.

"Criticism of Maduro is disloyalty to democracy and social justice."

No, pointing out that Maduro is a dimwit and a bigot has nothing to do with one's ideology regarding economics and governance.