Caracas, 3 de octubre de 2003 - Offnews.info

7items such as cigarettes), and electronic commerce. The coming into force ofnew taxes in 2007 was abandoned, but we may expect, should Chavez’s reelectionmaterialise in December this year, to see fiscal reform being draftedthen to come into force in 2008.Other modifications include wealth/estate taxes and the possible return ofthe bank debit tax (see Venezuela: 13 February 2006: ). According to ElNacional, a tax on non-productive land, envisaged in the 2001 Land Law,could also be introduced. Under President Hugo Chavez, the tax burden onthe oil industry has increased and, along with a tough anti-tax evasioncampaign, has worked to produce increased tax revenues for the state.Battle for UNSC Seat Inconclusive, Guatemala Leads PreferencesVenezuela's quest for representation in the United Nations Security Council(UNSC) is yet another facet of its political battle against the "Empire"; i.e.,the United States. With tension between the two countries high, the UNSCelection has become a symbolic battle between the superpower andcontroversial President Hugo Chavez, yet Venezuela's performance inyesterday's vote has disappointed.The U.S. choice against Venezuela in the fight for the UNSC seat,Guatemala, has so far garnered more votes, and this despite Chavez's activeglobal vote-seeking campaign. It seems that his controversial UN speech lastmonth, highly critical of his U.S. counterpart George W. Bush, may haveunsettled some initially supportive nations; and U.S. lobbying in favour ofGuatemala has also complicated Chavez's UNSC aspirations.The current voting patterns augur long and intense voting sessions until oneof the two wins the necessary two-thirds of the votes of the UN members—or until a third party enters the race, breaking the deadlock.Between U.S. Lobbying and Chavez's "Sulphurous" Speech, Venezuela isStruggling