T&T: Manning seeks Chavez's support vs U.S.

PRIME MINISTER Patrick Manning's recent visit to Caracas was in an effort to get support from Venezuela for Caricom's position that there was need for an investigation by the United Nations into the circumstances surrounding the departure of former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

Highly-placed diplomatic sources in both Caracas and Trinidad said Manning went to Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez to explain to him Caricom's position on the matter and to get Venezuela's support.
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Venezuelan diplomatic sources said: "The President listened to what Mr Manning had to say and indicated that Caricom could depend on his Government's support because Haiti was a member of Caricom and if the regional grouping felt there was a need for an investigation, then there should be one."

Chavez subsequently released a statement calling for an investigation and has also decided to give US$1 million to aid Haiti.
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Aristide has alleged that the United States Government facilitated a coup d'etat and kidnapped him as rebels were about to take the Haitian capital.

Caricom has since been demanding an investigation into the matter, which the US has rejected as unnecessary, dismissing Aristide's claim as wild and false.

Manning had better remember that the friend of my enemy is my enemy, and that, when the chips are down, it's not Venezuela who answers the call.