Portuguese government acknowledges constitutional nature of Venezuelan government

www.vheadline.com Posted: Tuesday, February 18, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

According to Portuguese embassy in Caracas head of business relations Carlos D'Oliviera has been reported by Venpres as saying his government recognizes the constitutionality of the Venezuelan government and President Hugo Chavez Frias. 

"The Portuguese government has absolutely no doubt that President Hugo Chavez Frias is the legitimate leader of Venezuela. His legitimacy is uncontestable and their is absolutely no doubt over the constitutionality of his government."

The Portuguese diplomat went on to say that his government sees the Bolivarian movement as a democratic one and based on the National Constitution "and in this we have no doubt at all, President Chavez Frias is the constitutional leader of the Republic."

D'Oliviera backed the Organization of American States (OAS) effort for a peaceful and democratic solution to the current crisis, and urged both sides to "lower the levels of aggression."