In Mexico, Obama criticizes Venezuelan government

[Bacchus4.0]

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/20/us-venezuela-usa-obama-idUSBREA1J04120140220




(Reuters) - U.S. President Barack Obama on Wednesday sharply criticized the Venezuelan government for arresting protesters and urged the government to focus on the "legitimate grievances" of its people.

At a news conference concluding a North American summit, Obama did not mince words in reacting to Venezuela's expulsion this week of three U.S. diplomats accused of recruiting students to lead protests in Caracas.

Instead of "making up false accusations" against U.S. diplomats, the Venezuelan government should focus on the "legitimate grievances of the Venezuelan government," Obama said.

He called on the Caracas government to release protesters it had detained and engage in a real dialogue. "All parties have an obligation to work together," he said.

[SolutionisSolidarity]

1. Just like he did with Occupy.

That's not really a fair comparison though. Occupy was non-violent.

[Bacchus4.0]

2. what? n/t

[SolutionisSolidarity]

3. Ukraine and Venezuela should follow his sterling example with dealing with Occupy.

Obama acted through dialogue and understanding. He certainly didn't coordinate a federal response to smash peaceful protesters and subject them to mass arrest.

[Bacchus4.0]

4. yes, I don't know much about the Ukraine but the chavista government has no interest

whatsoever with dialogue with the opposition.

[joshcryer]

7. If only. Venezuela is using live rounds.

The US didn't kill one protester in Occupy, though it did utilize illegal kettling measures and mass police abuse.

[rdharma]

5. "Three U.S. diplomats accused of recruiting students to lead protests in Caracas"

Of course, we all know that diplomatic immunity is NEVER exploited for purposes of espionage and other mischief!

[joshcryer]

6. Heh, because three diplomats can recruit tens of thousands of students.

Use some common sense.

[Bacchus4.0]

8. they must be really effective diplomats n/t