Chile to send diplomatic note to Venezuela concerning Vivanco's expulsion

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SANTIAGO.- The Chilean government has finally made the decision to send a diplomatic note to Venezuela to express their displeasure over the expulsion of José Miguel Vivanco, the director of the Human Rights Watch of the Americas, after he presented a report criticizing the administration of President Hugo Chávez.

The announcement of the note was made this morning by Chancellor Alberto Van Klaveren, who stated that the document would be sent "promptly" within the next few days.

"We had said that we were going to employ the diplomatic channels available and, indeed, we are going to send a note justly expressing our opinion concerning what has occurred", he asserted.

A far cry from backing down in his stance regarding criticism from the Venezuelan government after he spoke out against the expulsion of Vivanco, Van Klaveren instead reiterated that those who defend human rights "have every right to take action" within the world.

"Human rights are an issue of international concern and if there is criticism, the criticism must be addressed and we do not believe that the expulsion is the most acceptable way to deal with those who express such criticism", he maintained.