OAS-talks result in government-opposition anti-violence pact

www.vheadline.com Posted: Wednesday, February 19, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

The government and the opposition have signed a declaration condemning the use of violence in Venezuela's ongoing political crisis following a successful proposal by Organization of American States (OAS) secretary general Cesar Gaviria, who is facilitating the talks.

The agreement sees both sides rejecting aggressive rhetoric and acts of violence and vandalism, as well as acknowledging the role the media has been playing in the conflict. This is the first formal agreement that has resulted from the talks which have now been going for 100 days.

Both the government and the opposition have agreed to respect articles 57 and 58 of the Constitution, which guarantees Venezuelans the right to freedom of speech and to impartial sources of information. The agreement also provides for the setting up of a Commission to help facilitate peace and will be made up of both opposition and government representatives.