State prosecutor says detained Fedecamaras leader Carlos Fernandez wants to derail his upcoming trial

www.vheadline.com Posted: Monday, March 03, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

State prosecutor Luisa Ortega Diaz says Federation of Chambers of Industry & Commerce (Fedecamaras) president, Carlos Fernandez is trying to throw a spanner into Venezuela’s legal system and his upcoming trial.

“Mr. Fernandez denies that he was a member of the Coordinadora Democratica … everyone has seen him on TV during the national stoppage speaking day in and day out on behalf of CD.”

In a written questionnaire, Fernandez allegedly answered the question: Is Fedecamaras part of the CD replying that Fedecamaras is independent.

Ortega Diaz alleges the stoppage leaders’ tactic is to delay the investigation and avoid a trial.

The state prosecutor insists that Fernandez and Confederation of Trade Unions (CTV) leader, Carlos Ortega convened the national stoppage "in a hostile and public manner on December 2, 2002 representing Fedecamaras, CTV and CD."