It is well known, however, that Venezuelan soldiers have never participated in any type of operation against Bolivian civilians. These false accusations against the Morales and the Venezuelan governments made up by The Economist have also been repeated by the fascist opposition of Santa Cruz.
 
Venezuelan Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Samuel Moncada, has responded to these allegations and said: “Unfortunately, dangerous and negative consequences in the region may arise due to this blunder published in your magazine. I would therefore demand a correction of such fallacy”. (The Ambassador's letter can be found in full at http://www.vicuk.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=503&Itemid=30 )

Subsequently Ambassador Moncada wrote again to the 'Economist' and Michael Reid responded that they stood by their story. In his second letter Ambassador Moncada then wrote: "As we believe that the videos in your possession are absolutely false, this matter can only be settled with evidence. Therefore, either you publish your data in order to prove your point, or our request in the first letter stands. Then, you will have no choice but to correct the statement in your article issued on the 18th of July."
 
We are therefore asking supporters to now contact Michael Reid at the 'Economist' to complain about the original piece, and supporting the Ambassador's request that they either provide the evidence or correct their statement.
 
A form to contact him can be found at http://www.economist.com/mediadirectory/Email.cfm?Journalist=40
 
Please forward copies of any correspondence with the 'Economist' to the VSC.
 
Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
 

 www.venezuelasolidarity.co.uk