Carter Center statement deplores Caracas violence

www.vheadline.com Posted: Thursday, February 27, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

A statement from the US Carter Center ... which had played a key role in attempts to find a peaceful resolution to the Venezuelan political crisis ... has strongly criticized the "rapid deterioration in Venezuela" and "deplores the escalation of violence."

The Center is now calling on the international community to redouble its support for initiatives aimed at producing "a peaceful, democratic solution to the present crisis."

The statement also called on President Hugo Chavez Frias, his government, the opposition and media bosses to sign an agreement stating their support for a peaceful means of resolving the crisis. "We believe that verbal violence and threatening tone of political leaders, amplified by the media, encourage violent behavior."