Fedecamaras hardliners and moderates squabble over negotiations agreement

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic News Posted: Wednesday, May 28, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Federation of Chambers of Industry & Commerce (Fedecamaras) has been discussing the 19-clause agreement  reached after 7 months of government-opposition negotiations. Hard-liners, such as former Fedecamaras president Vicente Brito, gung-ho Venezuelan Ranchers Federation (Fedenaga)  president, Jose Luis Betancourt and Agricultural Producers Federation (Fedeagro) Jose Manuel Gonzalez. 

Acting Fedecamaras president, Albis Muniz admits that the business sector is divided on the agreement scheduled to be signed on Thursday. Speaking to members of the Venezuelan-Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Munoz says the political and sociological process is complicated and the solution is a slow process. 

"We in Venezuela have been too hasty because we are accustomed to expect immediate results and expect others to do things for us." 

Munoz says the agreement is aimed at maintaining a bridge with international opinion and suggests a National Pact similar to the Moncloa agreement that has ensured 13 years of economic growth and social benefits in Spain. 

Fedecamaras representative at the negotiations table, Rafael Alfonzo has been telling businessmen that he has his reservations about aspects of the agreement. 

The Movimiento Federal, of which some prominent Fedecamaras businessmen, are members has reject the agreement outright, alleging that the government has secured the support of international bodies and there is no guarantee that the recall referendum will go through.

Historian Jorge Olavarria has welcomed the agreement and criticizes those who call it the least of evils. "Once the agreement has been signed, the opposition can move forward and start collecting signatures demanding a recall referendum ... what are we waiting for?"