CARACAS, Venezuela — A Christian missionary group being expelled from Venezuela vehemently denounced charges by President Hugo Chavez that the group is involved with the CIA.
Chavez announced in a nationally televised address Oct. 12 that he wants to oust New Tribes Mission, a U.S.-based missionary group specializing in evangelism among indigenous groups.
The move is an attempt to purge Venezuela of U.S. “imperialist infiltration” and was based on intelligence that some of the missionaries are undercover CIA agents, Vice President Jose Vicente Rangel told reporters Oct. 13.
In a statement on the organization’s Web site, New Tribes denied the allegations, saying the group has had no governmental ties in its 59 years of service in the South American nation.
“We have the highest regard and respect for the people, laws and country of Venezuela,” the statement said. “New Tribes is not and has never been connected in any way with any government agencies. Our goal is to serve indigenous people.”
The group further called for dialogue with Chavez to clarify the “misunderstandings and misinformation.”
Nita Zelenak, a spokeswoman for New Tribes Mission, told The Associated Press the organization does not plan to immediately remove its 160 personnel from the region and hopes to convince Chavez to rethink his decision.
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