MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Chavez signs controversial press law

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez signed Wednesday the controversial “Radio and Television Social Responsibility Act” which he described as a “libertarian” landmark and the opposition condemned it as “gag rule.”

"This is a truly historic day, a law of peace has been signed and two new ministers have taken the oath. It's a big leap forward towards the left", said Mr. Chávez in nationwide broadcasted.

On the same ceremony Mr. Chavez took the oath to his new Finance Minister Nelson Merendes and Higher Education Minister Samuel Moncada.

President Chavez said he enacted the press law, which Congress had passed hours earlier, "despite domestic and international threats."

"The Inter American Press Association is always insisting with the same lines: that this is an authoritarian government that rides roughshod over people ... Who are they to criticize, those lackeys of imperialism, when they themselves supported dictatorships," Chavez said. "Nothing and no one will divert us from this path, from the oath we have taken to give Venezuela freedom, justice, comprehensive moral development and economic development," he said.

Earlier in the day opposition lawmakers placed black tape over their mouths during the final reading of the media law, which they claim was drafted to muzzle criticism of the president.

Their silent protest in Congress marked a change in strategy, in contrast to more radical measures that included setting fire to documents and the exchange of insults and even blows with pro-government colleagues. Several opposition lawmakers also carried banners, including one that said "Libertad QEPD" (Liberty R.I.P.).

In his address, Chavez vowed to be "inflexible" in making sure the law is enforced "to the letter." He said IAPA, which he described as an organization of newspaper owners and publishers and not journalists or other workers, "defends the oligarchy's economic privileges and interests and not freedom of expression," and hence "don't mention a word about the 16 journalists being prosecuted in the United States for refusing to reveal their sources."

Chavez also expressed surprise that the appointment of Mr. Merendes, which he announced two days ago, was interpreted by his detractors as a step toward greater state control of the economy. "But my government has always been leftist," Chavez insisted.