Organization of American States negotiations finally making progress

www.vheadline.com Posted: Wednesday, January 29, 2003 - 2:42:42 AM By: Robert Rudnicki

After a reasonably long session of the Organization of American States (OAS) led negotiations, OAS secretary general Cesar Gaviria says the session has been on of the most productive so far. "The session was the most fruitful we have had so far ... we got round to discussing electoral solutions." 

According to the OAS chief, every member of the two negotiating teams had the opportunity to present their vision for an electoral solution to Venezuela's crisis, and all did so "quite reasonably."During the session the two sides discussed former US President Jimmy Carter's proposals, namely a constitutional amendment that would pave the way for early elections, or a revocatory referendum in mid-August, as is permitted under the current Constitution. 

Gaviria sees two possible ways of moving forward with these proposals, either the opposition puts the relative political wheels in motion and the government offers any guarantees that are needed, or that both sides agree on one scenario or another. "The can be no doubt the the path of agreement would be much more beneficial for the country."