LeMieux: Unity Between Venezuelans and Colombians in U.S. Sends Clear Message to Chavez

Miami, FL - U.S. Senator George LeMieux (R-FL) today made a statement following a meeting with Colombian and Venezuelan community leaders. LeMieux joined with U.S. Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-Miami) and Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Miami) and State Representative Juan Carlos Zapata (R-Miami) in a discussion regarding the strained relations between Colombia and Venezuela.

“I continue to be troubled by the on-going reports of Venezuela harboring narco-terrorists inside the country,” LeMieux said. “Chavez's next moves will be key to tell us whether he is prepared to reverse course, stop harassment of his democratically-governed neighbors, and move toward democracy. Unity between community members here sends a clear message to Venezuelans that Chavez's behavior is unacceptable and that the Venezuelan people want strong ties with Colombia. I think it’s long past due for the OAS members to take appropriate and decisive action to enforce the Democratic Charter on Venezuela.”