What was Jack Abramoff doing in Venezuela?

[sofa king]

The Abramoff emails are a source of endless fun and speculation (.pdf document).

Here's one on page 15 that tickles my fancy today:

"Thank G-D! I am returning from Caracas, but leaving for Saipan on Sunday. When I get back, can we get together with Steve?"

What was our boy Jack Abramoff doing in Caracas on or about Thursday, July 12, 2001?

We know that the following April, the Bush Administration happily recognized the backers of a coup attempt against Hugo Chavez.

Has anyone looked into this angle in more detail?

[redqueen]

1. laying the groundwork n/t

[notadmblnd]

2. making the deal?

someone had to help coordinate the attempted coup and get paid to support it?

[leveymg]

3. Needless to say, he won't be going back anytime soon.

He may have a nice view out of the penthouse of this 4-Star Hotel.

[Judi Lynn]

4. Thanks for bringing this out. 1st many of us have heard about it, no doubt

There's got to be a heck of a story behind it.

[Rose Siding]

5. Working with Carville?

[phoebe]

6. possibly the Conference on Social Debt and Latin American Integration?

Cuba there too..

http://www.radiohc.org/Distributions/Radio_Havana_English/.2001/2001_jul/Radio_Havana_Cuba-12_July_2001

snip

Caracas, July 12 (RHC)--The president of the Cuban Parliament, Ricardo
Alarcón, who is in Venezuela to attend a Conference on Social Debt and Latin
American Integration, said yesterday that international capitalism is
responsible for Latin America's enormous social debt ranging from lack of
education to the destruction of the environment.

Alarcón added that all of Latin America suffers from the inequities of an
international system that benefits a few rich nations to the detriment of
the remaining majority. He called for unity and solidarity among nations of
the region, saying that Cuba had proven its commitment to integration by
providing health care free of charge to many countries in Latin America. He
added that Havana supports Venezuela's independence and sovereignty and
stands behind Caracas as it faces attacks from abroad.

http://www.exim.gov/article.cfm/B1B3F707-1032-5B0F-B6A58FEA095177E5/
Export-Import Bank was discussing Venezuela at that time


Chavez was threatening to expel foreigners who criticized Venezuela, plus he was urging investment in Venezuela's natural gas industry.

(hate to give 'em a link but couldn't find it elsewhere)
http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3b25fc9e06ed.htm

[SoCalDem]

7. Wasn't Poppy Bush there holding a pow-wow on Margarita island?

It caught my eye at the time since I have been to the Margaritas..(famous for their gorgeous pearls:)..)

Poppy is tangled up in the whole mess. he's CIA and still gets daily briefings.. off that HE did not warn junior about the Aug 4th "message" from Osama.