Puerto Rico's Governor Meets With Venezuelan Ambassador for Oil Talks

[Judi Lynn]

Puerto Rico's Governor Meets With Venezuelan Ambassador for Oil Talks
The Associated Press

Published: Oct 20, 2005

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Gov. Anibal Acevedo Vila met with Venezuela's ambassador to the United States on Thursday for an opening round of talks they said could one day lead to Puerto Rico buying oil from the South American country under preferential terms.

Puerto Rico's government has expressed interest in joining the Petrocaribe initiative, under which Venezuela sells fuel directly to 13 Caribbean countries with low-interest financing and deferred payment.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has said the island isn't eligible to join the pact because of its status as a U.S. commonwealth.

Addressing reporters at the capitol building, Acevedo Vila said the two governments initiated the meeting to bring "formality" to talks about a future oil deal and other commercial ventures "of benefit to both peoples."

Venezuelan Ambassador Bernardo Alvarez said he told Acevedo Vila about Venezuela's need for medicine, and didn't rule out the possibility that Venezuela could one day supply fuel to Puerto Rico in exchange for drugs.
(snip/...)

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBSFNTT1FE.html

[pinerow]

1. As a fellow Puerto Rican, I welcome the the Governors'

attempt to include the island in the PetroCaribe initiative...although I have a sneaky suspicion the U.S. administration will find a wat to block any move made by the government of Puerto Rico...

[goforit]

2. Wow!!!!.....This is a good foriegn policy. Hats off to Senior Vila!!!

[Toots]

3. Isn't Puerto Rico a US territory?

I think Bush* might just have something to say about this...

[Guy Whitey Corngood]

4. Yes, it's the pseudo 51st state. n/t