OAS "Group of Friends" Issues New Call for Ending Venezuelan Crisis

usinfo.state.gov 04 February 2003 (Proposals follow views set forth by Secretary Powell) (500) By Eric Green Washington File Staff Writer

Washington -- Venezuela's political impasse must be resolved peacefully and democratically, says a group of six nations working together to help the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS) find a negotiated solution to the problems dividing that Andean nation.

Reiterating the views set forth recently by U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell, the "Group of Friends" said in a formal statement that an end to the crisis in Venezuela must be found within the framework of the Venezuelan Constitution, and "with respect for the legitimate government" of the country's president, Hugo Chavez. The Group issued the statement January 31 following its meeting in Caracas with Chavez and the political opposition, an umbrella organization called the Democratic Coordinator.

The Group of Friends of the Facilitation Process in Venezuela, as it is formally known, was created in January 2003 and consists of the United States, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Portugal and Spain. The Group said in its latest statement that the solution to Venezuela's problems must be made by the Venezuelan people and "with respect for the country's sovereignty."

The Group said it applauds a proposal from the Democratic Coordinatorfor an electoral solution to the situation. The Group said it also welcomes the Venezuelan government's indication "that it will present its own points of view related to this important matter next week."

Another "positive element" for resolving the crisis, the Group said, were proposals introduced by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. Under one proposal outlined by Carter, Venezuela's government and the opposition would agree to a recall referendum -- consistent with the Venezuelan Constitution -- that would determine if Chavez should leave office. An alternate proposal offered by Carter calls for the government and the opposition to agree to a constitutional amendment to permit early general elections.

OAS Secretary General Cesar Gaviria has expressed hope that the proposals could open the door in Venezuela to an electoral agreement, which he said was the main outstanding issue still to be resolved at the negotiating table.

In its statement, the Group of Friends reiterated its offer "to help see that the accords that the parties reach in this process are respected." The Group also expressed a willingness to reconvene "when the evolution of circumstances in Venezuela or the facilitation efforts of the OAS Secretary General merit such a meeting."

Secretary Powell said January 24 that the United States believes the only solution to the crisis in Venezuela is a "peaceful, constitutional, democratic and electoral process" agreed to both by Chavez and the political opposition.

"At the end of the day, it is the Venezuelans themselves who must find solutions to their problems," Powell added. "It is my profound hope, and my confident belief, that the Secretary General's continued work, the Friends Group's sustained efforts, and President Carter's valuable contributions will help them do so."

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