U.S. residents benefiting from fuel exchange with Chávez

CARACAS. (PL)— Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez spoke this Sunday with visitors from the United States who have benefited from the program that provides fuel at solidarity prices sponsored by the CITGO oil company, an affiliate of PDVSA in that nation.

Representatives of a group of 65 individuals visiting Venezuela explained during the "Aló Presidente" radio-television program how that fuel was distributed in their communities.

They indicated that in many cases it was not only seen as economic aid but also inspired hope.

James Sapier, an indigenous representative, stated that his people live in the northernmost part of the country where temperatures are lower than 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

He added that this assistance will make it possible for them to endure the severe winters, given that the U.S. authorities disregard their living conditions.

The visitors were from eight regions receiving the benefits of this plan, and they organized this visit themselves to thank President Chávez for the idea of distributing heating fuel at economic prices.

Beginning November 2005, the agreement supplies subsidized fuel at a 40% discount, as well as 150 gallons to 20 homeless shelters, principally for heating.

The agreement is for more than 40 million gallons of oil, of which 14 million have been delivered to date, and which will benefit some 181,000 families.

After learning the truth about Venezuela, U.S. religious representatives say that they have taken it upon themselves to talk with people in their communities to counter the disinformation being spread in the United States.

Priest Patrick Perrin, of Jamaican origin, said that he emigrated to the United States: "I went in search of a government by the people and of the people and did not find it," only upon arriving here can I see what that means.

Chávez pointed out that it is an obligation for Venezuela to cooperate with those in need as he thanked them for, "permitting us to fulfill this obligation."

He announced that Haiti is to be incorporated into PETROCARIBE, through which fuel is distributed to Caribbean countries.

He explained that storage installations are being built in those nations, adding that they will pay 60% of the cost and the other 40% will be compensated in goods or services.

"This is what is called integration," he emphasized, "it is the only way that we can truly unite; those of us who have certain advantages must help the rest," he affirmed.