SHANGHAI, Sept.

CARACAS, Venezuela, March 18 /PRNewswire/ -- The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela (the "Republic"), acting through the Ministry of the Popular Power for Telecommunications and Information Technology, announced today that it has commenced its previously announced tender offer to acquire the outstanding Class D shares of common stock ("Class D Shares") and American Depositary Shares, each representing seven Class D Shares ("ADSs"), of Compania Anonima Nacional Telefonos de Venezuela (CANTV) ("CANTV").

CARACAS, Venezuela, Feb.