The decree ordering the expropriation of silos belonging to Alimentos Polar in Barinas state was issued by Governor Hugo de los Reyes Chavez, the president’s father. He said the order was justified because productive activities had ceased in 2002.
But Mr Mendoza rejected such claims. “These silos are operational… this is a plant that is being used and which guarantees food security,” he said. "We consider this decision unjust, disconcerting and in our opinion unconstitutional…
The US ambassador has warned that the seizures could affect trading links. “What is happening will have an impact on the commercial decisions of private companies, not only those from the United States, but all the countries of the world,” Ambassador William Brownfield told local radio.
