Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela
Ministry of People's Power for Foreign Affairs
Note of Protest
The Ministry of People's Power for Foreign Affairs directs the most vigorous protest of the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia due to the statements issued by the Colombian Defense Minister Gabriel Silva regarding his concern about the possibility the free transit of drug-trafficking airplanes from Venezuela towards Central America.
Venezuela's fight against drug trafficking is internationally recognized. The last 19th Meeting of Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies (HONLEA), held in Porlamar, Nueva Esparta represents the undeniable commitment of the Venezuelan government regarding efforts to fight drug trafficking. It additionally ratifies Venezuela’s international cooperation for the success of this fight.
The Ministry of People's Power for Foreign Affairs firmly and categorically rejects these unacceptable statements made by Minister Gabriel Silva and considers that this cynical and disrespectful attitude against Venezuela tries to mask the reality of the current Colombian government's failure in the fight against drugs. It also serves to justify the hand-over of Colombian territory for the purposes of establishing U.S. military bases.
Our government and people demand respect from the spokesmen of the Colombian government and also demands the stop of these sorts of aggressive and unfriendly behaviors against our country.
Caracas, October 24, 2009
To the Foreign Affairs Ministry of the Republic of Colombia
Ministry of People's Power for Foreign Affairs / October 24, 2009
Embassy
