Venezuela talks yield joint statement
Tuesday, 18 February, 2003, 02:55 GMT
The opposition is calling on Chavez to stand down
Venezuela's government and opposition have agreed to condemn violence and defuse tensions between them, the Organisation of American States (OAS) says.
OAS Secretary General Cesar Gaviria said the two sides would sign a common statement in favour of peace and democracy on Tuesday.
Chavez describes his opponents as 'terrorists'
It is the first firm development in three months of talks mediated by Mr Gaviria, and backed more by a six-nation group led by the United States.
But a source close to the talks said the document carried no sanctions, and the two sides were no closer to a deal ending their conflict.
The opposition wants Mr Chavez to stand down and call a fresh referendum immediately.
The president, who was re-elected in 2000, has refused to consider a vote on his rule before August.
Paralysis
"We have finished the round of negotiation and dialogue to complete a declaration against violence," Mr Gaviria said on Monday.
Opposition marches are a regular feature in Caracas
The document is also believed to include references to freedom of expression, the media's role in promoting peace, and calls to tone down aggressive language.
Opposition leader Timoteo Zambrana told the BBC he hoped the statement would help reduce tensions in Venezuela.
An ongoing national strike and a wave of demonstrations by both government and opposition supporters have paralysed much of the country and led to the deaths of at least six people this year.
Mr Chavez has used troops and replacement crews to restart the vital oil sector - although many sacked oil workers have vowed to keep their protest.
The opposition accuses the president of being too authoritarian and blames him for the country's economic woes.