August 31, 2000 Ch�vez fears an Amazonian Viet Nam BRASILIA, August 31 (AP).- Venezuelan President Hugh Ch�vez stated yesterday that he fears that the Colombia Plan could degenerate into an Amazonian Viet Nam if efforts within that operation against drug trafficking and the guerrilla groups are oriented toward military rather than social solutions. "It would be highly dangerous if the operation leads to a military escalation. That could bring us to a Vietnamization of the entire Amazonian region," he stated at a press conference. This is the first time that a South American leader has formulated such a warning in relation to the plan launched by Presidents Andr�s Pastrana and Bill Clinton. Venezuela shares a 2,240-kilometer border with Colombia, more extensive than the 1,550-kilometer frontier between Colombia and Brazil. Ch�vez arrived in this city to attend the first strictly South American summit conference. The 48-hour meeting is aimed at promoting regional and economic integration among the 12 South American nations, including Suriname and Guyana. "Certain sectors in Colombia and other parts might believe that the conflict in that country has a military solution. In that they are mistaken," Ch�vez stated. "The only solution is a peaceful one." Brazilian government officials have likewise expressed fears that the Colombia Plan will lead to traffickers and guerrilla bands to cross the border to seek refuge in Brazil. According to press reports, Brazil has placed on alert its 22,000 soldiers stationed in various garrisons throughout the Amazonian region Javier Sotomayor | Documentos | Revistas | Correo-E | Ingl�s | Franc�s | Portugu�s | Alem�n | Italiano � Copyright. 1996-2000. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. GRANMA INTERNATIONAL/ ONLINE EDITION
