Arias Cardenas says recall referendum is still top priority

<a href=www.vheadline.com>Venezuela's Electronic news Posted: Monday, June 09, 2003 By: Patrick J. O'Donoghue

Lt. Colonel Francisco Arias Cardenas continues to preach about the importance of the recall referendum and it would appear that he is fighting a losing battle.  During visits to the provinces, Union party leaders say they have not managed to convince many people about the advantages of the recall referendum. This fact must acknowledged, Arias Cardenas says, and the opposition must not be distracted by whatever President Chavez Frias threatens or throws at it. 

The recall referendum is checkmate for the government ... "it's impeccable and we have to give it top priority." 

The former Zulia State Governor insists that the opposition must be magnanimous to open the door to adversaries because what the country needs now is a national consensus with minimum conflict. 

Aware that the government is intent on widening its power base, Arias Cardenas warns that President Chavez Frias will attempt to divert the opposition towards partial objectives, which gives him the chance to re-group and counter-attack. " The opposition should stick to its guns and promote the recall referendum ... it will take will and conscience."