Breaking news; Hugo Chavez is still dead

Amid riots in Venezuela, which have claimed 18 lives, the government of Nicolas Maduro, led a massive rally to remember the one-year anniversary of the death of Hugo Chavez, according to BBC. To celebrate the death of the communist tyrant Chavez, Maduro announced that he would cut diplomatic ties with Panama, that he claims is conspiring against him and his government with the US;

“I’ve decided to break political and diplomatic ties with the current government of Panama and freeze all trade and economic relations from this moment on,” Mr Maduro told the presidents of Cuba, Raul Castro, Uruguay, Jose Mujica, and Bolivia, Evo Morales, among other leaders gathered around the tomb of Mr Chavez.

Panama’s President Ricardo Martinelli expressed surprise at Venezuela’s decision.

“Panama only hopes that this brother nation finds peace and strengthens its democracy,” Mr Martinelli wrote on Twitter.

Panama’s official statement said the country was “astonished” and called Mr Maduro’s words “unacceptable”.

“The measure announced by President Maduro should not become a smoke screen intended to hide reality,” it read.

Yeah, all the conservative Martinelli did was ask the Organization of American States to investigate the violence in Venezuela. I guess the last thing that Maduro needs is a little scrutiny.

“There are moves by the United States government in accord with a lackey government of a right-wing president which has been creating the conditions for the OAS and other bodies to step towards an intervention in our country,” Mr Maduro said.

Yeah, well, when the richest nation in the region becomes one of the poorest in the space of a few years, someone needs to intervene. Of course, Panama is benefiting from Venezuela’s problems since the wealthier residents are fleeing to politically-stable Panama with their money.

Category: Hugo Chavez