Otaiza defends need to prepare Venezuela psychologically for possible war

Otaiza defends need to prepare Venezuela psychologically for possible war

Venezuelan National Lands Institute (INTI) president, Eliecer Otaiza has found himself at the center of a diplomatic row after making statements about hate and war against the USA.

US Ambassador to Venezuela, William Brownfield says it´s a shame when government officials and authorities talk of hate, differences and negative relations between countries, given the fact that the USA has had positive relations with the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela for over 200 years.

The Ambassador made the statement during a visit to a Caracas school where he made a donation of school articles.

Otaiza says his controversial statement was in answer to a question from interviewer Carlos Croes.
In the case of war in Venezuela, Otaiza deems it necessary to prepare psychologically. "Mr. Croes asked me about the possibilities of a war in Venezuela and I said that there had been a series of actions against Venezuela for which people must be prepared and the first preparation is psychological ... this isn´t the first time I´ve spoken about situations that have been occurring in Venezuela ... when I was State Political & Security (DISIP) Police director I have said several times that the presence of intelligence and security organs and a series of military actions in the country has really affected national sovereignty."

As for the hatred bit, Otaiza clarifies that it does not mean killing gringos or blowing up Embassies ... "when one goes to a war situation, there is an enemy and that has to be recognized as such."

Otaiza says he has nothing against the gringos but as a Venezuelan and Bolivarian, he prepares himself just in case anything happens ... I´m prepared psychologically and operationally to respond effectively."

Venezuelan Security & Defense Commission secretary, Major General Melvin Lopez Hidalgo says he disagrees entirely with Otaiza´s views, stating that sowing hatred as a military strategy is inconvenient and does not represent the thinking of the military.

"Stirring up hatred against the USA is pure xenophobia," the General comments and the new Reserve force will comprise all Venezuelans whatever their political color.