Friends of Venezuela Group holds first meeting tomorrow

www.vheadline.com Posted: Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 4:52:41 PM By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

The Friends of Venezuela Group consisting of the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Portugal, Chile and Spain will hold its first meeting tomorrow in Washington.

Spain’s Foreign Minister Ana Palacio says she hopes it will help create a climate of dialogue between the Venezuelan government and opposition.

“The first meeting will to place the ideas on the table but the most important thing will be to overcome the highly polarized situation and promote an understanding.”

The Friends of Venezuela Group was the initiative of Brazilian President Lula da Silva to facilitate a solution to Venezuela’s stalemate negotiation process.