Chavez enters EU immigration debate
by Sokari Ekine // 27 June 2008, 17:51
In a fightback from the post colonial commons, Hugo Chavez of Venezula is threatening to withhold oil and prevent EU investments in Venezula should the EU go ahead with the new immigration law - the "Returns Directive".
In a televised speech, Chavez said: "Our oil shouldn't go to those countries" in Europe who apply new rules for deporting illegal immigrants. He also threatened to block European investments in his country. Venezuela sells most of its oil to the US and is a minor supplier to Europe.
Chavez's statement builds on that of Bolivian President Evo Morales on Returns Directive in which he placed immigration from Latin America and the global south in the context of colonialism and exploitation of human and natural resources.
Cross posted from Black Looks
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Shea // Posted 30 June 2008 at 08:34
I actually agree with Chavez & Morales on this, however contradictory that might seem. It seems like a particularly callous move by the EU to use and exploit, but not acknowledge the value of immigrant labour. Its similar to the way the EU poaches foreign medics and nursing staff, ignoring the need for them in their own countries and the investment in their training, to subsidise its members health care systems.
I'm not sure how direct an effect this will be if Venezuela are only a minor supplier, but given the current peak oil crisis, you would think Europe would want to keep any and all suppliers sweet. But good on Chavez and Morales for bringing this issue to the fore.