Hugo Chavez’ Favorite Daughter Made U.N. Debut
Hugo Chavez’ favorite daughter made her debut this month as her country’s deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.
Maria Gabriela Chavez confirmed that her presence at the United Nations was her very first public appearance. She was named to the post much to the anger of Venezuela’s opposition.
Chavez who is in her mid thirties acted as unofficial first lady to her divorced father when he was alive and in office. She traveled with him and attended all of the official functions.
Maria Gabriela always called her father “her giant”. She has been out of the spotlight since his death, two years ago.
Apparently Chavez does have a degree in journalism but has no apparent work experience. Her posting as a U.N. envoy has been seen a an attempt by Venezuela’s embattled President Nicolas Maduro to cement his ties with the popular previous leader and his admirers.
Chavez did not make a speech at her first session of the U.N.
Instead she accepted hugs and warm greetings Cuba’s representative said it was an honor to speak in her presence.
Venezuela took a two-year seat on the powerful U.N Security Council this year, where it sits next to the United States as the fifteen members debate and vote on matters of international peace and security.
Venezuelan Ambassador Rafael Ramirez introduced Maria Gabriela Chavez to applause as the country hosted the meeting to protest the U.S.sanctions which were imposed last month over human rights abuses during anti-government protests.
“We will not be intimidated by the aggression of the U.S.” Ramirez said. He called Venezuela “profoundly democratic”.
President Maduro has accused the U.S. of trying to oust his administration.
Russia, Iran, Syria and several Latin American countries criticized the U.S.sanctions and called on the Obama administration to reverse the sanctions.
There was no immediate comment from the U.S. mission to the U.N. on the event.
