CTV negotiator Manuel Cova says "ball in government's court!" 

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

Confederation of Trade Union (CTV) general secretary Manuel Cova has come out in support of Venezuela’s mainstream print & broadcast media and says, “we are ready to negotiate alternatives presented by former US President Jimmy Carter.”

Cova is one of the official opposition negotiators at talks with the government. “The last time negotiators met, we let it be known that we ratify a constitutional amendment as a possible solution but are ready to discuss a recall referendum or an alternative proposal that could arise during negotiations.”

Although Cova did not explain why the opposition would now accept a referendum in August after organizing a national stoppage against the proposal, he did confirm that the opposition is prepared to agree to a unilateral declaration of non-violence, adding that it is up to the government to make a formal reply.

Cova admits differences regarding the role of print & broadcast media … “we agree that they should participate in a campaign to promote tolerance to lower levels of confrontation but I feel that government harassment of the media should be addressed.”