[NYTr] Chavez Calls Venezuelans to Continue Strengthening Socialism

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

Agencia Cubana de Noticias (ACN)
http://ainch.ain.cu/mailman/listinfo/ingles


Chavez Calls Venezuelans to Continue Strengthening Socialism

Havana, Dec 4 (acn) Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said on Monday 
that he would continue to raise the banner of socialism in his country, 
waiting for the day when history would allow it to reach its greatest 
height.

Speaking on the Dando y Dando Venezuelan TV program, Chavez reflected 
on the close defeat Sunday of his constitutional reform proposal and 
noted that abstention proved the greatest enemy of the reforms.

"We didn't even get the number of votes of all the members of the 
United Socialist Party," said Chavez who noted the experience merits a 
reflection on what went wrong and why three million followers of his 
government stayed home instead of going to the polls.

"Let's rally; let's study more to better understand socialism," said 
Chavez after analyzing the reasons why his initiative was defeated. He 
said that his initial conclusion after hearing the results was that the 
people were not ready to take such a big leap towards this model.

President Chavez was buoyed up by the fact that nearly 50 percent voted 
YES for socialism, and three million people who abstained didn't say 
NO. He said that while an opportunity had been lost, the rhythm and the 
government program will continue on course.

"Beyond the media bombardment and our shortcomings --our inability to 
properly explain and coming up short in our communications strategy--, 
I might have chosen the wrong moment to put forth this proposal," said 
Chavez.

Nonetheless, he said his government would continue to make social 
reforms where permitted by the constitution and will prepare to present 
the proposal again when the right conditions for doing so exist.

Chavez concluded his statements saying, "We didn't fail with this 
proposal, nor do we have to find another. The proposal is there, and it 
is positive, even for many who voted against it."