| Taken Questions Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 19, 2003 Question Taken at Press Briefing of May 19, 2003 Venezuela: Freedom of the PressQuestion: Do you have any comment regarding draft legislation proposed by Venezuelan President Chavez to crack down on freedom of the press and curb freedom of expression? Answer: The U.S. is closely watching the debate in Venezuela’s National Assembly on the draft Media Content Law. As U.S. Ambassador to Venezuela Charles S. Shapiro said May 13 during an event in honor of International Press Freedom Day, “The situation in Venezuela is very worrisome. Last year, some 80 reporters were assaulted -- in many cases with firearms and knives. Newspaper buildings and television and radio stations were attacked. Yet no investigations have identified those responsible for these attacks; no one has been prosecuted for these actions.” Continuing, the Ambassador stated, “It is enough to say this: These aggressions are unacceptable and intolerable.” We hope that this draft legislation enhances protections for these essential elements of democracy and does not contribute to the further erosion of these freedoms in Venezuela.
Question: What was the United States’ reaction to the International Press Freedom Day event held on May 13, 2003, at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence, in which a comedian lampooned President Chavez? Answer: The skit presented May 13, 2003, by a Venezuelan comedian during the International Press Freedom Event at the U.S. Ambassador’s residence in Caracas caught everyone by surprise. It was inappropriate. All should understand that this Venezuelan comedian does not represent the U.S. Government. He abused Ambassador Shapiro’s hospitality. Ambassador Shapiro’s comments in support of international press freedom reflect the U.S. government’s view.
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