US Urges Venezuelans to Uphold Non-Violence Pact

www.voanews.com VOA News 24 Feb 2003, 22:51 UTC

The United States is urging Venezuela's government and opposition to uphold a recent agreement that calls for an end to political violence and confrontational remarks.

State Department spokesman Philip Reeker said Monday in Washington that "heightened political rhetoric" has contributed to acts of violence in Venezuela in recent days.

Mr. Reeker also urged the government in Caracas and its opponents to continue the political dialogue being facilitated by the head of the Organization of American States, Cesar Gaviria.

Meanwhile, President Chavez has warned the world to stop interfering in his country's affairs. He has criticized the United States, Spain and Colombia for siding with his opponents.

The United States last week criticized Venezuelan authorities for arresting business leader Carlos Fernandez He helped organize a two-month nationwide general strike that failed to oust Mr. Chavez.

Mr. Fernandez is now under house arrest. He faces charges of civil rebellion and and criminal indictment for helping lead the walkout. Another strike leader, Carlos Ortega, went into hiding after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On Sunday, a police officer was shot dead and at least five others wounded in an ambush in Caracas. Some police officials say they suspect supporters of President Hugo Chavez were responsible because of tensions between the police force and central government.