Venezuelan ports seized by goverment
Güncelleme Tarihi:
AP
Oluşturulma Tarihi: Mart 23, 2009 00:00
CARACAS - Venezuela's federal government seized seaports and airstrips in at least four states, a move critics said is meant to limit the powers of mayors and governors opposed to President Hugo Chavez.
The takeover, ordered by Venezuela's socialist president last weekend and approved by lawmakers late on Saturday, aims to bring the country's major transportation hubs under federal control this year.
Also Saturday, Chavez said falling oil prices are forcing Venezuela to boost sales taxes and nearly triple domestic debt sales to make up for an expected 6.7 percent decrease in public income this year. Venezuela's leader said he will ask lawmakers to increase sales taxes to 12 percent from 9 percent.
Meanwhile, troops were dispatched to ports in the three Venezuelan states governed by Chavez opponents: Zulia, Carabobo and Nueva Esparta. Chavez said the takeover of air and sea ports in the state of Anzoategui, which is governed by a Chavez ally, was also under way. Chavez said his government will formulate a "strategic investment plan" to modernize the ports and to guarantee the jobs of thousands of workers in the facilities. Chavez has defended the move as a national security issue.
Also Saturday, Chavez said falling oil prices are forcing Venezuela to boost sales taxes and nearly triple domestic debt sales to make up for an expected 6.7 percent decrease in public income this year. Venezuela's leader said he will ask lawmakers to increase sales taxes to 12 percent from 9 percent.
Meanwhile, troops were dispatched to ports in the three Venezuelan states governed by Chavez opponents: Zulia, Carabobo and Nueva Esparta. Chavez said the takeover of air and sea ports in the state of Anzoategui, which is governed by a Chavez ally, was also under way. Chavez said his government will formulate a "strategic investment plan" to modernize the ports and to guarantee the jobs of thousands of workers in the facilities. Chavez has defended the move as a national security issue.