Mr. Leonard Downie, Jr.
Executive Editor
The Washington Post
1150 – 15^th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20071

Dear Sir,

On behalf of the Venezuelan American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VenAmCham), which encompasses most US and third nation corporations operating in Venezuela, as well as a significant part of the local business community, we must point out important factual misinterpretations in THE WASHINGTON POST’s November 1^st editorial.

First, the Government of Venezuela has in no manner; shape or form ever threatened or suggested that it would recognize “the legitimacy of a secessionist State declared by Colombian rebels”.

Second, to declare that the Chávez Administration is conducting a “consistently” anti American policy belies the fact that this same Government ratified a Treaty with the United States of America to avoid Double Taxation; and has declared its interest in completing negotiations for a Bilateral Treaty to protect investments.

In less than two years President Chávez has traveled often to the United States and met frequently with US political and business leaders, many of which have publicly stated their positive opinion on their relationship with the Venezuelan Government. In his trip last month to Houston, Texas, and Atlanta, Georgia, he publicly stated that Venezuela is a “friend and ally of the United States, and intends to remain such.”

Finally, it is not fair to compare a government that has been democratically chosen and has successfully undergone several elections, with undemocratic regimes. Whatever the foreign relationships the sovereign Government of Venezuela currently chooses to pursue, internal democratic tradition remains alive here.

This nation is undergoing a difficult and sometimes controversial process of change that may raise legitimate concerns in several areas. We are confident that the deeply rooted Venezuelan adherence to freedom, democracy and fair play will prevail over any other tendencies.

At the same time, we deplore unfair and erroneous statements that exacerbate negative tendencies and serve no constructive purpose for either side in the US Venezuela bilateral relationship.

Sincerely,

Andrés Mata First Vice President Acting President

Antonio A. Herrera-Vaillant Vice President General Manager