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STATEMENT OF THE OAS SECRETARY GENERAL ON THE SITUATION IN VENEZUELA

  April 11, 2002

In reaction to today's grave disturbances in Venezuela, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), César Gaviria, expressed his condolences to the victims of the violence and their families.

Gaviria called on all sectors of Venezuelan society to do everything possible to see that the protests against the government of President Hugo Chávez remain peaceful and constitutional.

He also called on the government to ensure that in defending the rule of law it act peacefully, respecting the legal and constitutional order, and do everything within its power to safeguard the lives of all Venezuelans.

The Secretary General also called for the immediate restoration of freedom of the press and of expression and the open exchange of information, in accordance with democratic principles.

Reference: E-078/02