Politics
The new diplomatic dispute between Venezuela and Spain, which arose after a Spanish Judge requested information on the links between Caracas, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the Basque separatist group ETA, exposes greater international isolation of the government of President Hugo Chávez, according to former Venezuelan Ambassador Milos Alcalay.

The international affairs analyst ruled out a rupture of relations with Spain. Alcalay says that Chávez is acting with a lack of consideration for a friendly government that has defended Venezuela in all international organizations.

In addition to the close link between the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) and the Spanish Socialist Workers' Party (PSOE), "Zapatero is the main European ally of Venezuela President," the diplomat said.

An adverse climate between the two countries could be generated, but relations will only depend on Chávez's statements, the opposition analyst said. "Instead of acting with the international courtesy that should apply to this case and practice diplomacy, he radicalizes his speech," Alcalay says.

According to international agreements executed by Venezuela, in the United Nations and other international organizations, the government must report any terrorist act, which can be considered a crime against humanity.

Alcalay criticized the statements made by former Attorney General Isaías Rodríguez against the Spanish Judiciary. "They (pro-government officials) think that Spanish Judiciary is like the Venezuelan, where judges are handpicked. In Spain, the Judiciary is independent and there is powers severability," the analyst said.

Alcalay said that the unequivocal statements made in the past by President Chávez in favor of the FARC, in addition to close relations with Hezbollah, Hamas and other terrorist groups increase doubts about the alleged Venezuelan support to these organizations.

Therefore, the best strategy for the government is to tell the truth rather than resorting to the "primitive reaction in a conflict, where the best defense is regarded as a good attack," Alcalay said.

The Venezuelan State must meet international rules and respond to the Spanish National Court, which has among its powers, the establishment of links about an issue as serious as terrorism, the former Ambassador to the United Nations concluded.

With reports from Verónica Egui Brito

Translated by Gerardo Cárdenas