Venezuela's Foreign Ministry: Mexico's Ultimatum Is a Senseless Aggression

   In a statement issued today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: "The government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela has been informed by the Government of Mexico of its decision to “lower” the level of relations between the two countries over what they consider an attack by President Hugo Chavez on “the dignity of the Mexican people and its government”.

   They have similarly demanded an apology by the Venezuelan government. Faced with these developments, the Government of Venezuela declares:

   Its rejection of the ultimatum issued by the Government of Mexico as a senseless aggression through which the failure of the Government of Venezuela to apologize will lead to the demand that its ambassador in Mexico be recalled.

   The current situation is in its entirety the responsibility of President Vicente Fox. Upon his arrival in Mar del Plata, Argentina, President Fox made public his attacks of the Venezuelan government during the preparatory negotiations for the fourth Summit of the Americas. The Government of Venezuela prudently remained quiet when faced with these attacks, convinced that a space for a positive debate would open up to clarify the position of both governments.

   Upon the summit’s conclusion, President Fox again publicly issued disrespectful statements, which he never denied, with regards to President Chavez. The Government of Venezuela waited patiently for a positive response from President Fox. Faced with silence on President Fox’s part, it became necessary to respond.

   In the spirit of democratic governance in Venezuela, President Chavez explained the series of events that had occurred at the summit on his Sunday television talk show, using words and terms he had similarly used during the summit and in the presence of the gathered Heads of State, including President Fox.

   With the demand for an apology issued by the Government of Mexico, the Government of Venezuela has ordered the immediate recall of Ambassador Vladimir Villegas, leaving the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Mexico in Venezuela in the hands of a charge d’affairs.

   Finally, the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela reaffirms its profound respect for the people of Mexico, whose anti-imperialistic and patriotic traditions have always been an inspiration for the people and government of Venezuela.