Ogata meets Venezuelan ambassador to Japan

   On April 10, Japanese Communist Party Vice Chair Ogata Yasuo in Tokyo met with Venezuelan Ambassador to Japan Seiko Ishikawa.

   Ishikawa said that Venezuela led by President Hugo Chavez is carrying out people-oriented policies, such as a reduction in poverty and a cut in the value-added tax, as well as diplomacy promoting the integration of South America while refusing subservience to the United States.

   Ishikawa also explained about Chavez’s remarks that Venezuela is aiming at socialism as well as the process of establishing a new political party supporting the present government.

   Recalling a meeting with Chavez during his stay in Venezuela two years ago, Ogata said that he is paying attention to what Chavez is doing as a president with great influence on the whole of Latin America.

   Asked by the ambassador, Ogata spoke about the results of the first half of nationwide simultaneous local elections and the Japanese political situation.

- Akahata, April 12, 2007