US Congress Boston Group plan for Venezuelan "hub of dialogue"

www.vheadline.com Posted: Sunday, February 16, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

US Congressmen belonging to the so-called Boston Group have arrived to push for dialogue in Venezuela's National Assembly (AN).  Congressman Cass Ballenger, whose voice had been noticeably absent during the critical months leading up to the national stoppage, has given his blessing to the efforts of Organization of American States (OAS) general secretary Cesar Gaviria … “we support any imitative that allows dialogue and stops people from shouting at each other.”

Proyecto Venezuela (PV) Assemblyman Pedro Diaz and Movimiento Quinta Republica (MVR) Assemblyman Calixto Ortega agree to make the National Assembly (AN) a hub of democratic discussion and consensus.

• Both Assemblymen forecast early elections and have announced that members of the Boston Group are committed to promoting national reconciliation.

US Congress Venezuelan Caucus members, William Delahunt and Gregory Meeks say they hope to meet President Hugo Chavez Frias, even though a formal meeting is not part of the visitor’s agenda.