Assembly Of First Nations Plans To Invite Hugo Chavez And Evo Morales To Visit

The resolution called Chavez and Morales "visionary" leaders and said that Chavez has shown support for indigenous issues by helping Morales get the presidency in Bolivia. "The goals of the official visit are to generate further international support for indigenous rights and social issues, establish a friendship with these visionary leaders, and establish strategic alliances with the governments of Bolivia and Venezuela," stated the resolution, adopted Dec. 11. The AFN has been frustrated by the Conservative government's refusal to sign on to the UN declaration and has rejected Ottawa's arguments the document conflicts with Canadian laws. The AFN has also called on the UN Human Rights Council to review Canada's place around the table and directed Fontaine to lobby for Canada's removal from the panel. "The Chiefs-in-Assembly call on Canada to immediately remove itself as a member on the United Nations Human Rights Council based on its negative vote at the UN General Assembly concerning the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples," reads the resolution, which preceded the invitations to Chavez and Morales. "The Chiefs-in-Assembly direct the National Chief to bring this message forward at all available opportunities at other national and international forums to seek support for the call for Canada to resign its membership on the Human Rights Council." ... http://www.canada.com/topics/news/story.html?id=bb1beedd-502b-479c-a345-3b13f584c9d6

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