25/01/2010
Noam Chomsky praises Venezuela at the University of Nottingham for providing regional leadership in the configuration of progressive forces in Latin America

Before a packed auditorium at the University of Nottingham, England, the famous intellectual Noam Chomsky spoke widely about current issues in Latin America and the US.
Chomsky was invited to speak at the Pink Tide Conference, which was organized by the Social Studies department of the University of Nottingham and included a wide range of speakers, teachers, activists and doctoral students who mostly specialize in Latin American studies.
One participant asked Chomsky to evaluate the state of the left in Latin America. Chomsky responded that unlike the US and other parts of the world, the progressive movements in Latin America are being quite successful.
Particularly Chomsky pointed out that Venezuela has been leader in organizing the progressing forces that have been emerging in Latin America.
“Nevertheless these successes have not occurred without reaction. Honduras is an example of this”, added Chomsky.
Regarding the US military bases in Colombia, Chomsky warned about the imminent danger it posed to neighboring countries like Venezuela, Ecuador and even Brazil.
“The US Government is taking all these steps towards building violence and repressing the movements in Latin America”, said Chomsky.
The audience also asked him questions about the war on drugs and the war on terror.
Chomsky spoke via a video conference.

Press Office of the Embassy of Venezuela in London, 23 January 2010