A recent Q&A session with Venezuela’s Ambassador to Bolivia, César Trompiz, provided insights into the country’s socio-economic challenges, the significance of communes, and the impact of U.S. sanctions. Trompiz articulated Venezuela’s shift towards self-sufficiency in agriculture, the complexities of international relations, particularly with Bolivia and China, and the continuing struggle against external military threats and economic restrictions.
On February 10, the Venezuelan Ambassador to Bolivia, César Trompiz, engaged in an open Q&A session with a North American delegation at the Plaza Hugo Chávez in La Paz, Bolivia. The event was organized by the Alliance for Global Justice, allowing participants to ask questions directly and receive candid responses from the Ambassador, who is a longstanding advocate of revolutionary principles. Instead of a formal speech, Ambassador Trompiz encouraged free dialogue to address the topics of interest to the delegation.
During the discussion about the state of communes in Venezuela, Ambassador Trompiz highlighted their journey from initial optimism supported by oil revenue to a focus on self-sustainability in the face of economic challenges. He mentioned the establishment of 48,000 community councils and a dramatic increase in the budget allocated for agriculture, which now stands at 60%. The success of these initiatives, he reported, has improved food production and reduced dependency on imported goods.
Delving into agricultural organizations, Trompiz remarked on Venezuela’s shift from dependency on external agriculture technology to self-sufficient practices. He noted that reliance on companies like Monsanto has significantly diminished, as domestic production now caters to 90% of consumption needs. With efforts to foster healthier and more ecological farming methods, he underscored a return to indigenous seeds and agricultural resilience.
Regarding Venezuela’s political landscape, Trompiz discussed the favorable conditions under which Nicolás Maduro was re-elected. He expressed disappointment with Latin American leaders like Gustavo Petro and Lula da Silva, who publicly criticized this electoral outcome, framing their issues as a symptom of political inconsistencies in their own governments. He maintained that despite external pressures, Venezuela continues to engage in solidarity with neighboring countries in pursuit of peace.
The Ambassador emphasized the strength of Venezuelan-Bolivian relations, recalling Bolívar and Sucre as historical Venezuelan figures pivotal to Bolivia’s foundation. He expressed optimism for future cooperation and mentioned President Maduro’s impending visit to Bolivia. Furthermore, he condemned U.S. sanctions as acts of war that have led to significant casualties and stressed that military threats towards Venezuela continue to manifest, requiring vigilance and defensive readiness.
Trompiz also commented on Venezuela’s relationship with China, stating that it is purely business-oriented, with no external political conditions imposed. He stressed the importance of maintaining autonomy in dealings while fostering mutual economic benefits. On the BRICS Front, the ambassador recognized Brazil’s adversarial stance, mentioning potential avenues for economic development through alternative currency systems.
Concerning the emigration crisis, Trompiz estimated the number of Venezuelans who left the country at about two million, explaining it resulted from diminished subsidies and changes in economic conditions. He reported that many are returning, bolstered by government-supported repatriation initiatives. He asserted that U.S. sanctions hinder economic progress and highlighted the absurdity of the restrictions imposed, including the disqualification of athletes from international competitions.
As the dialogue concluded, the delegation reflected on the complexities surrounding Venezuela’s international relations and internal developments. They expressed gratitude for the candid exchange with Ambassador Trompiz, encapsulating their insights into Venezuela’s ongoing challenges and resilience.
The Q&A session with Ambassador César Trompiz illuminated critical aspects of Venezuela’s socio-economic transformation, the challenges posed by external sanctions, and the importance of self-sufficiency achieved through communal efforts. The ambassador’s remarks on international relations, particularly with Bolivia and China, offered a nuanced perspective on Venezuela’s geopolitical stance. As discussions on emigration, agriculture, and political solidarity unfolded, it became clear that Venezuela’s journey, while fraught with difficulties, is characterized by resilience and a commitment to national autonomy and social responsibility.
Original Source: www.peoplesworld.org
