El Siglo newspaper reports that the presence of the outspoken Carlos Andres Perez in the DR is causing problems for Dominican diplomacy. The former Venezuelan statesman who now lives in the DR does not miss any opportunity to criticize the Hugo Chavez government in Venezuela. Chavez tried to overthrow Perez, when the latter was in power. Last Monday, Dominican Minister of Foreign Relations Hugo Tolentino Dipp expressed his confidence that the former statesman of Venezuela would moderate his comments against Chavez. Perez feels he has strong ties with the present Dominican government, given the PRD’s affiliation with the International Socialist party. It is in the best interests of the DR to maintain good relations with Venezuela, our main supplier of petroleum. President Chavez, through his ambassador, has expressed his resentment over Perez’s comments against his government. Perez was in jail in Venezuela for corruption in office. He is said to have numerous investments in the DR.
