Venezuela calls for Russia and France to be included in Friends group

www.vheadline.com Posted: Tuesday, March 11, 2003 By: Robert Rudnicki

Venezuela's Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS) Jorge Valero has called for the current Friends of Venezuela group to be expanded to include, France, Russia and a number of Caribbean nations.

The group, currently made up of Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Portugal, Spain and the United States, met in Brasilia to renew their discussions and Valero made the call during his address to the representatives.

In January President Hugo Chavez Frias also called for the group's expansion, but this appeal fell on deaf ears.

Foreign Minister's from the six countries also held closed door meetings to discuss how best to end the current political unrest in Venezuela.