US 'Deeply Concerned About Venezuela

www.voanews.com VOA News 10 Jan 2003, 19:02 UTC

The United States says it is concerned about the political crisis in Venezuela and supports international efforts to resolve the situation.

White House spokesman Ari Fleischer told reporters Friday Washington remains "deeply concerned" about what he calls the "deteriorating situation" between the Venezuelan government and the opposition.

Mr. Fleischer says the head of the Organization of American States, Cesar Gaviria, has been "quietly" discussing possible resolutions with OAS members. The spokesman says the United States supports the OAS efforts, which include forming a so-called "Friends of Venezuela" group.

The Washington Post reports Friday the grouping would bring together representatives from Brazil, the United States, Mexico, Chile, possibly Spain, and the United Nations.

The newspaper says the representatives would guarantee a compromise proposal for early elections. It says the initiative is expected to be presented within the next week.

Meanwhile, opponents of President Hugo Chavez rallied in the streets Friday for anti-government protests. Bank workers stayed off the job for a second day to support a crippling, five-week general strike aimed at forcing Mr. Chavez to resign or call early elections.

Venezuelan officials say the opposition is to blame for a grenade explosion late Thursday at the Algerian ambassador's residence in Caracas. No one was injured. Algeria has offered to assist Mr. Chavez in efforts to end the strike.

The work stoppage has halted shipments of 1.5 million barrels of oil a day to the United States and has contributed to an increase in world oil prices.