Following intense speculation, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has confirmed that the recent suspension of petroleum exports to the Dominican Republic was brought about by accusations that conspirators are using the DR as a base for the planning of a coup against him. Chavez told foreign reporters that exports would be suspended “until the matter was cleared up.” Last month, the Venezuelan President alleged that former President Carlos Andres Perez, who lives in the Dominican Republic, was engaged in a plot against his government from Dominican soil and that Dominican officials were implicated in the scheme as well. The Dominican government denied the charges and refrained from taking any measures against Perez, who was in power at the time of Chavez’ failed military coup in February 1992. The Dominican Republic has traditionally maintained a healthy relationship with Venezuela and purchases its oil on preferential terms as set out in the San Jose agreement and the Caracas energy agreement, along with several other nations in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The reason for Venezuela’s decision to suspend petroleum sales to the DR was confirmed in Santo Domingo yesterday by Venezuelan Ambassador Francisco Belisario Landis, who referred to the “extensive smear campaign carried out by ex-President Carlos Andres Perez from Dominican territory.” The diplomat called for a quick resolution of the dispute through dialogue between the two governments. Some reports indicate that Perez has left the Dominican Republic for an indefinite period.