ANNCOL correspondent Carlos Quintanilla writes: Chavez’ popularity, according to community media, is not growing just in Venezuela. He is very popular among poor people in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and all over Latin America. Recently, the Venezuelan leader visited Argentina and Brazil ... his speeches were clapped every time he mention about Latin American integration.

According to Datanalisis, a Venezuelan survey taker, President Hugo Chavez has surpassed a 65% rating during the last days. The pollster recognizes that this percentage is the highest reached by Chavez, except during the first months of his administration.

• Latin American political analysts, assure that the popularity of Chavez has grown since the kidnapping, in Caracas, Venezuela’s capital, of Rodrigo Granda, a Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), top officer.

Venezuelan anti-Chavez officers kidnapped Granda and took him to the Colombian border and handed him to Colombian security forces. Later on, Colombian militaries showed him on TV assuring that he was captured in Colombia’s territory. Chavez, who argued that Colombian violated Venezuela’s sovereignty, condemned the action.

The Venezuelan President has shown evidence that the Colombian guerrilla fighter was kidnapped in Caracas. Hundreds of thousands of Venezuelans have supported Chavez and have held marches in defense of the national sovereignty. They even celebrated the “Day of Dignity” in which reiterated the support to their President.

The Venezuelan firm also affirms “each time US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice criticizes Chavez, she contributes more points to his rating.” The poll also remarks that the opposition should accept the current popularity of the Venezuelan leader.

Chavez’ popularity, according to community media, is growing not just in Venezuela ... he is very popular among poor people in Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay and all over Latin America. Recently, the Venezuelan leader visited Argentina and Brazil ... his speeches were clapped every time he mention about Latin American integration.

The Venezuelan Head of State has also criticized US Department of State officials for making inappropriate remarks against his country. Chavez said Washington would not be able to materialize its provocative goal because Venezuela has acted responsible and would not be dragged down by provocative statements. The US accuses him of having a good “relationship with President Fidel Castro and with Colombians guerrillas.”

• Undoubtedly, the incumbent Venezuelan President has metamorphosed into an effective Latin American figure. In his little time in power, he has done a lot for poor people and defeated conspiracy.

However, the mass media ... which is controlled by people with close links to the US ... continues with its destabilizing campaign against his revolutionary project.

In spite of this, Chavez’ popularity grows nationally and internationally ... this is the kind of President that Latin America deserves to have.

Chavez will have a huge place in history; on the other hand, puppet governments will be forgotten easily.

This article was originally published at Scoop Media N