Negotiations continue without OAS general secretary Cesar Gaviria

www.vheadline.com Posted: Wednesday, March 05, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

While Organization of American States (OAS) general secretary, Cesar Gaviria is currently in Bolivia at the invitation of President Gonzalo Sanchez de Lozada, 12 members of the Venezuelan government-opposition negotiating team are meeting this afternoon with OAS cabinet chief, Fernando Jaramillo and Carter Center’s Francisco Diez.

Sources indicate that negotiators will discuss electoral options. Opposition representative, Timoteo Zambrano has confirmed the opposition’s intention not to abandon the negotiating process, despite calls from more radical elements and the government’s alleged stonewalling on electoral issues.

“We will continue to explore electoral possibilities … it’s is far better than resorting to violence.”

It has been learned that Gaviria will travel to Brazil on Monday for a meeting of the six-nation Group of Friends.