The US Senate on Friday unanimously approved a resolution expressing "profound concern" over the decision by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to revoke the broadcast license of an opposition-run television station.
On Sunday Chavez is set to shut down private Radio Caracas Television (RCTV), the country's oldest, very popular and defiant TV station he says is conspiring against him.
The resolution expresses its "profound concern about the transgression against freedom of thought and expression" in Venezuela by Chavez's "refusal" to renew RCTV's license "merely because of its adherence to an editorial and informational stance distinct" from that of the Venezuelan government.
The measure also "strongly encourages the Organization of American States to respond appropriately, with full consideration of the necessary institutional instruments, to such transgression."
The resolution was introduced by Democrat Christopher Dodd -- who his seeking his party's nomination for the 2008 presidential race -- and Republican Richard Lugar.
Bill co-sponsors included Democratic presidential hopefuls Joseph Biden, Hilary Clinton, Barack Obama, and Republican presidential hopeful John McCain.
Chavez's "efforts to crack down on freedom of thought ... also raises concerns about a much larger threat to human rights in Venezuela, one that we in the United States must not ignore," Dodd said in a statement.
"This bipartisan resolution shows that the United States shares the concern about the deterioration of democracy in Venezuela," added Lugar.
Chavez is revoking RCTV's license despite its widespread popularity with viewers, who will miss the channel's cherished soap operas and variety shows. Recent polls show that 70 to 80 percent of the population oppose the move.
The decision to switch the network off after 54 years was taken right after Chavez was re-elected in late 2006. During the campaign, RCTV openly called for Chavez' defeat and gave voice to the opposition.
Chavez also has never forgiven the network for its support of an April 2002 coup that deposed him for two days.
