HUGO CHAVEZ CALLS FOR NATIONALIZATION OF DIAMOND, GOLD MINING

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez publicly advocated his Cabinet to nationalize gold and diamond mining in the country’s southern state of Bolivar during a recent edition of his weekly talk show, Al Presidente.

He reportedly blamed the country’s system of granting concessions to private mining companies for depleting the rainforests and mines and “destroying” and “polluting” nature and the country’s natural resources. “Capitalism is looking for gold, diamonds. We must stop them,” he was quoted as saying.

He also accused private national and transnational companies, which he reportedly referred to as “capitalist mafias” of not paying taxes on the gold and diamonds recovered.