Trading Oil for Immigration

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez

link to photo

Guardian's article (below) mentions that Venezuela is not one of Europe's main suppliers - but withholding oil shipments because of immigration policy is a novel idea. Why would Chavez threaten the E.U. instead of the U.S.? - Ethics regarding inmmigration policy in the U.S. has sunk to an all time low. ICE raids have made havoc of immigrant communities - Maybe Chavez should look at the U.S. instead of the E.U.

could it be that he would have too much at stake to stand up to the U.S.?

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Chavez threatens EU with oil boycott

• Julia Kollewe and Graeme Wearden
• guardian.co.uk,
• Friday June 20, 2008

Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez has fuelled the growing rift between Opec oil-producing nations ahead of a major summit this weekend, by threatening to block supplies to European countries.

Meanwhile Iran, also a major oil producer, said pumping more oil would do nothing to stop the surge in prices, after Saudi Arabia revealed that it may be increasing its production again.

As angry protests broke out in China over a sharp rise in its fuel prices today, Chavez said he was enraged by new rules passed by the EU parliament on Wednesday, aimed at standardising the process by which member nations deport illegal immigrants. They contain contentious measures such as providing for long detention periods.

In a televised speech, Chavez said: "Our oil shouldn't go to those countries" in Europe who apply new rules for deporting illegal immigrants. He also threatened to block European investments in his country. Venezuela sells most of its oil to the US and is a minor supplier to Europe.

Last month Saudi Arabia promised to produce another 300,000 barrels a day, but other oil producers within Opec are split over the need to pump more oil. Venezuela and Iran have pointed the finger at the West for failing to act against financial speculators, and the weak US dollar...

for complete Guardian article click here