Posted on 03/11/2003 4:16:06 AM PST by Cincinatus' Wife
BRASILIA, Brazil - Venezuela renewed an appeal to add Russia, France and Caribbean nations to the Group of Friends of Venezuela seeking a solution to the country's political and economic crisis.
Jorge Valero, Venezuela's ambassador to the Organization of American States, said his country wants to expand the group, which now includes the United States, Brazil, Chile, Spain, Mexico and Portugal.
Foreign Ministry officials from those countries met privately in Brazil's capital Monday to discuss ways to ease tensions in Venezuela following the arrest of business leader Carlos Fernandez in February and warrants issued against eight other opposition leaders.
The nine opposed President Hugo Chavez during a general strike that lasted two months. Valero said the strike has cost Venezuela some US$5 billion in damages and lost revenue.
The meeting was led by OAS General-Secretary Cesar Gaviria of Colombia and included Timoteo Zambrano, a representative of the Democratic Coordinator opposition movement.
Zambrano said Chavez was "inventing excuses" to avoid calling early elections, which he refuses to accept. He said Gaviria should have a more decisive role in the meetings.
In January, Chavez met with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and suggested expanding the Group of Friends, citing France, Russia, Cuba and China as possible new members. Brazil led opposition to changes, on grounds they would upset the political balance of the group.
Last week, the U.S. Southern Command's Gen. James Hill said terrorist organizations, including the militant Lebanese group Hezbollah, were operating in border areas of Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay and on Venezuela's Margarita Island.
Hill said operatives were taking advantage of smuggling hotspots and weak institutions to channel funds to international terrorist groups.
"Whoever has evidence of situations like those described must first give them to corresponding authorities," Chaderton told the local Union Radio station.
"That evidence ... could lead to the opening of an investigation. A simple denunciation isn't enough," he added.
Chaderton said President Hugo Chavez's government would cooperate with U.S. authorities to halt any terror-related activities in this South American country of 24 million.
If someone has reasons to think there are terrorist networks in Venezuela, "We would support any initiative to neutralize those types of actions," said Chaderton.
After meeting with Venezuelan authorities Friday, U.S. ambassador to Venezuela Charles Shapiro said Washington was concerned that international terror groups have established bases in all Latin American countries.
Two bombs exploded outside Spanish and Colombian diplomatic missions in Caracas on Feb. 15. The attacks stoked fears that Colombia-style terror had reached neighboring Venezuela. [End]
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