Uribe Wins in Colombia, Carmona Granted Asylum

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CARMONA GETS ASYLUM; HARDLINER URIBE WINS COLOMBIA PRESIDENCY

AP via Yahoo - May 27, 2002 2:55 am ET

Venezuela Coup Leader Gets Asylum 

by James Anderson

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) - Venezuelan officials reacted warily to
Colombia's decision to grant asylum to Pedro Carmona, president
during a two-day coup against President Hugo Chavez, saying Chavez
will have the final say on whether Carmona is allowed safe passage
out of the country.

Colombia gave "diplomatic asylum" on Sunday to Carmona, who escaped
house arrest Thursday and fled to the Colombian ambassador's
residence in the Venezuelan capital, Caracas. Carmona faces trial for
rebellion and conspiracy, and could be sentenced to 20 years in
prison if convicted.

Colombia stood virtually alone among Latin American nations in
applauding Chavez's April 12 ouster. Chavez was reinstalled two days
later amid widespread protests after Carmona swore himself in as
president, declared the Constitution invalid and dissolved Congress.

Dozens of Venezuelans who oppose Chavez celebrated Colombia's
decision outside the ambassador's residence, waving Venezuelan flags
and chanting, "Long live Colombia!"

Carmona said he felt "profound gratitude" for the decision. His wife,
Gladys de Carmona, was greeted outside the residence with cheers.
"We're very grateful," she said.

Venezuelan Foreign Minister Luis Davila said it was "contradictory"
to grant asylum to a Venezuelan citizen accused of crimes in
Venezuela and added, "Nor do I believe that he is persecuted
politically."

Several Chavez associates and Cabinet members who were arrested
during the coup want to try Carmona, a 61-year old business leader
whose organization lead a general strike that preceded the botched
overthrow effort.

Davila said he saw no grounds for asylum, arguing that neither
Carmona's life nor his safety were in danger when he took refuge at
the ambassador's residence. However, he said the final decision is up
to Chavez.

Chavez did not comment, but Tarek William Saab, a Chavez confidante
and head of the National Assembly's foreign affairs committee, said
he expected Venezuela to accept Colombia's decision.

Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel had said Friday that Venezuela
would not object if Colombia granted Carmona asylum.

"I'm not surprised by this decision because (Colombian) President
(Andres) Pastrana was one of the only presidents who seemed pleased
when Chavez fell," said Rangel.

Colombia's seemingly pleased response to the ouster aggravated the
neighboring countries' relations, already rocky over allegations that
the left-leaning Chavez supports leftist rebels in Colombia.

The short-lived coup by members of the military came after gunfire
broke up a massive April protest against Chavez's rule, leaving 17
people dead. The next day, rebel military officers installed Carmona
as interim president, blaming Chavez for the deaths of the
protesters. Chavez was restored to power April 14.

Carmona, who had long clashed with Chavez as head of Venezuela's
largest business association, denies conspiring to overthrow the
government. He says he accepted the presidency because he believed
rebel officers' claims that Chavez had resigned.

He also says his rights were violated last week when a court revoked
his house arrest and ordered him jailed pending trial.

"In no way am I eluding my responsibilities," Carmona told Venevision
television Sunday.

Colombian Ambassador German Bula declined to comment on reports that
Carmona may settle in a third country if he is allowed to leave
Venezuela.

                          *

Reuters via Yahoo - May 26, 2002

Colombia's Uribe claims victory in election

BOGOTA, Colombia, May 26 (Reuters) - Colombia's president-elect,
Alvaro Uribe, who promises to get tough with leftist rebels fighting
in the country's 38-year-old war, claimed victory in Sunday's
election and invited illegal groups to lay down their arms.

"I ask God, now that he has given me the opportunity to fill myself
with love for my country, to give me the energy so I can serve it
well," the right-wing, tough-talking Uribe told supporters at his
campaign headquarters.

"The violent groups must know that we as democrats are ratifying an
offer: to build democratic security so that they can contemplate the
idea of laying down their arms."

Uribe, a former provincial governor who wants to boost the size of
the military, had 52.8 percent of the vote with 98 percent of the
ballots counted. That was more than the 50 percent plus one he needed
to avoid a runoff with the runner-up.

Second-place Horacio Serpa of the opposition Liberal Party, had 31.8
percent of the vote. Serpa conceded defeat.

Colombia is embroiled in war involving leftist rebels, right-wing
paramilitary outlaws and the military. The conflict, fueled by the
cocaine trade, claims the lives of 3,500 people every year.

 
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nytsa-05.27.02-04:22:58-1569