RCTV, energy top concerns at OAS summit

Several topics will be discussed during the 37^th Organization of American States (OAS) General Assembly conference being held in Panama City. One of the most divisive issues will be the debate over Radio Caracas Television; Venezuelan Foreign Minister Nicolas Maduro has warned against a possible rebuke by the U.S. against the Chavez administration. The Miami Herald’s Pablo Bachelet reports that:

“(U.S.) Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who arrives today, and foreign ministers of several countries like Canada and Costa Rica are likely to complain ''in very explicit terms'' in their speeches, said one OAS diplomat who asked to remain anonymous in order to talk freely about delicate issues. Other nations like Chile might make ''generic'' pronouncements over the need to preserve basic human rights like the freedom of expression, the diplomat said”.

During the opening session of the summit yesterday, U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon praised the development of biofuels in the Americas as well as creating “stable energy supplies” as a tool against the region’s deep economic inequality.

Other topics that will be examined include border issues (e.g. Bolivia’s claim to a coastline) and the need to strengthen democratic institutions.

Update: Maduro's warning may come true; Condoleezza Rice requested on Monday that the OAS look into "alleged violations of freedom of the press in Venezuela." (Link via Monsters & Critics).

Sources- The Latin Americanist, International Herald Tribune, People’s Daily Online, Miami Herald, Voice of America, Earthtimes.org

Image- George Washington University