PPT ratifies Albornoz as general secretary in massive assembly

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Wednesday, April 02, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Patria Para Todos (PPT) has confirmed Jose Albornoz as general secretary, a job he took over when Pablo Medina decided to leave the party and move into the opposition with former party colleague, Carlos Melo. 540 delegates from all Venezuela met in Guarico over the weekend to hold party elections ... there were no big changes and the majority of the 54 board members were ratified. 

Although delegates discussed and approved general policy positions, the PPT will hold a rally at the Poliedro this weekend to announce guidelines and appraisal of the political situation in Venezuela. 

• Sources indicate that PPT will be targeting bad press about its accumulation of power in key government positions, especially inside Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA). 

The PPT leadership says it expects 15,000 activists to turn up as well as guests from other movements. President Chavez Frias is expected to attend along with guests from "friendly country" political parties.