http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8075649.stm
(extract from the text)
Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has cancelled an edition of his TV show, Alo Presidente.
The cancellation comes amid arguments with the Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa about a live televised debate.
Mr Chavez has broadcast some 18 hours of special editions of Alo Presidente since Thursday to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the programme.
But the latest edition has been withdrawn at late notice with no explanation from the government.
The decision to suspend Alo Presidente comes after a series of challenges and counter-challenges about holding a televised debate with the Peruvian writer - and arch-critic of President Chavez - Mario Vargas Llosa.
Mr Vargas Llosa is currently in Venezuela to attend an opposition-led seminar about democracy and authoritarianism in Latin America.
The last time Mr Chavez was on air, he challenged to Mr Vargas Llosa and his colleagues to come onto the programme and debate live with another group of assembled Latin American academics who are sympathetic to Mr Chavez.
President Chavez said he would moderate the discussion. Amid insults on both sides, Mr Vargas Llosa retorted he was only interested in debating directly with President Chavez and that the president's offer was not a serious one.
The Venezuelan leader has described his four-day TV extravaganza as a "soap opera", promising that there would be singing, debate and "a little bit of everything".
In the end, an episode of this unique political soap opera may have been suspended, but avid watchers are still likely to tune in for the final instalment on Sunday night.
Originally posted by generalissimoWho ever heard of a President of a country "debating" a foreign writer?🙄
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8075649.stm
(extract from the text)
[b]Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has cancelled an edition of his TV show, Alo Presidente.
The cancellation comes amid arguments with the Peruvian writer Mario Vargas Llosa about a live televised debate.
Mr Chavez has broadcast some 18 hours of special edition ed, but avid watchers are still likely to tune in for the final instalment on Sunday night.[/b]
Originally posted by no1marauderwell, it surprises me that the almighty Chavez, the self-styled hero of the revolution is scared of the "foreign writer".
Who ever heard of a President of a country "debating" a foreign writer?🙄
Why doesn't chavez openly face Mr. Llosa? doesn't he have the guts?
Originally posted by generalissimoGee, why didn't GWB debate Noam Chomsky? Only an imbecile like you would take seriously some obscure writer arrogantly demanding to debate a head of state.
well, it surprises me that the almighty Chavez, the self-styled hero of the revolution is scared of the "foreign writer".
Why doesn't chavez openly face Mr. Llosa? doesn't he have the guts?
Pinochet could have debated Orlando Letelier; instead he had him blown up in Washington.
Funny, that the "dictator" of Venezuela freely allows foreign "arch-critics" to enter his country and meet with the opposition. I'm sure Franco and Pinochet would have done the same, though.
Originally posted by no1marauderDon't get me wrong,I think they should have debated with those people.
Gee, why didn't GWB debate Noam Chomsky? Only an imbecile like you would take seriously some obscure writer arrogantly demanding to debate a head of state.
Pinochet could have debated Orlando Letelier; instead he had him blown up in Washington.
Funny, that the "dictator" of Venezuela freely allows foreign "arch-critics" to e ...[text shortened]... d meet with the opposition. I'm sure Franco and Pinochet would have done the same, though.
But so should Chavez.
Is that your excuse? "Chavez doesn't have to debate because GWB didn't"?
I have to agree here, in a way, with maudy.
A president and in general all elected officials can (and must) interact (including detaing) amongst themselves and with his people, as part of the democratic process; and, of course, the people includes the writers of his country.
But a foreign writer? A partisan, failed politician? Please.
As much as I love Vargas Llosa's writings, I must say the guy is deluded.
Originally posted by generalissimoChavez should debate his political opponents in Venezuela during the appropriate political season. Other than that, he has no obligation to debate a self-appointed "arch-critic" esp. one who's views were roundly rejected almost 20 years ago in his own country.
Don't get me wrong,I think they should have debated with those people.
But so should Chavez.
Is that your excuse? "Chavez doesn't have to debate because GWB didn't"?
Originally posted by SeitseVargas is still a south-american, I thought Chavez was enthusiastic about bringing his revolution to the other countries in the continent, so why not debate with fellow s.americans?
I have to agree here, in a way, with maudy.
A president and in general all elected officials can (and must) interact (including detaing) amongst themselves and with his people, as part of the democratic process; and, of course, the people includes the writers of his country.
But a foreign writer? A partisan, failed politician? Please.
As much as I love Vargas Llosa's writings, I must say the guy is deluded.
Originally posted by no1marauderAll other issues aside, it's pretty ridiculous to call Llosa "some obscure writer." Mario Vargas Llosa is one of the most highly-regarded authors of Latin American literature alive today.
Gee, why didn't GWB debate Noam Chomsky? Only an imbecile like you would take seriously some obscure writer arrogantly demanding to debate a head of state.
Pinochet could have debated Orlando Letelier; instead he had him blown up in Washington.
Funny, that the "dictator" of Venezuela freely allows foreign "arch-critics" to e ...[text shortened]... d meet with the opposition. I'm sure Franco and Pinochet would have done the same, though.