March 30, 200620 yr Miami Herald March 30, 2006 U.S. Defends Its Naval Exercise Amid talk by President Hugo Chávez of a planned attack, the U.S. ambassador to Venezuela said a naval exercise in the Caribbean was no cause for concern. By Associated Press CARACAS (AP) -- The U.S. ambassador to Venezuela downplayed the planned deployment of a U.S. aircraft carrier for naval exercises in the Caribbean amid claims by Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez that his nation must prepare for a possible U.S. invasion. The Doral-based U.S. Southern Command this week announced that the USS George Washington -- along with a destroyer, cruiser, frigate and a 60-plane air wing -- would conduct military exercises from early April to late May with other Caribbean countries to enhance maritime security. ''It's not the first time that the U.S. government has had naval exercises in the Caribbean and it won't be the last,'' U.S. Ambassador William Brownfield told reporters Tuesday. ''Eventually, I'm sure we can have a little dialogue to eliminate any confusion, any suspicions about this activity,'' he said. Brownfield added that he had advised the Venezuelan government, including the Defense Ministry, of the plans on Monday. The Southern Command said that Carrier Strike Group Ten with roughly 6,500 sailors will focus on unconventional threats such as human trafficking and drug trafficking during the exercises. ''The deployment will focus on enhancing military-tomilitary relationships with regional partner nations, improving operational readiness, and fostering good will,'' the statement said. Chávez has repeatedly claimed the U.S. is considering a military attack to oust his leftist government. U.S. officials deny that accusation, but accuse Chávez of being a destabilizing force in the region.
Create an account or sign in to comment