MVR deputy urges rebel PDVSA exec to turn himself in

www.vheadline.com Posted: Monday, March 10, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

Movimiento Quinta Republica (MVR) deputy Calixto Ortega, a member of the National Assembly Energy & Mines Committee is urging rebel Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA) executive Juan Fernandez to turn himself in to the police and to end his current "cowardice."

An arrest warrant was issued for Fernandez last week for his role in the opposition's national work stoppage which brought Venezuela's petroleum production to a virtual standstill.

• Fernandez addressed an opposition rally in Caracas on Saturday, but was whisked away before security police could capture the fugitive.

Ortega also denied Fernandez' claims that he was being politically persecuted, "in Venezuela there is no political persecution.