EU & Russia express support for Friends of Venezuela

www.vheadline.com Posted: Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 2:33:56 AM By: Robert Rudnicki

Both the European Union and the Russian government have issued statements of support for the formation of the "Friends of Venezuela" group, made up of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and the United States.

• The group is set to hold its first meeting in Washington tomorrow.

In the EU statement, issued under the Greek EU Presidency, support for the group's contribution was extended, as well as the hope it could achieve a peaceful, democratic, and constitutional solution to Venezuela's crisis through a process of elections.

The EU also urged the Venezuelan people to so pursue a solution assisted by the Organization of American States (OAS) and the "Friends of Venezuela" group.

The Russian Foreign Ministry said it was ready to work together with other nations and international organizations to help restore peace in Venezuela. "We are convinced that the quest for a solution to the problems of today's Venezuela should be conducted through respecting democracy and constitutionality and mutual observance of the principles of rejecting violence."