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OAS HEARS REPORT ON VENEZUELAN REFERENDUM AND CONGRATULATES THAT NATION’S GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE FOR THEIR DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION

The Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the Organization of American States(OAS), Jorge Valero, today presented the results of the constitutional amendment referendum, held on December 2, 2007, to the 34 member countries of the regional body.

During a meeting of the Permanent Council, Ambassador Valero underscored the model civil conduct of the Venezuelan citizenship, which participated peacefully in the vote regarding the proposed changes to the Constitution. He highlighted the democratic action taken by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez Frias, who immediately recognized the results issued by the National Electoral Council in its first bulletin a few hours after the end of the electoral process.

“Once again, the President demonstrated his unequivocal democratic commitment,” said Valero, referring to the quick presidential acceptance of the opposition’s victory. He further stressed that “the democratic example of the Venezuelan President has been recognized by the people and governments of the world.”

The Venezuelan diplomat noted that the amendment proposal “was object of one of the most participatory debates known in the history of the country; and despite the vehemence of the debate, the Venezuelan people fulfilled their historic commitment, in a peaceful and democratic manner. The coexistence and the respect marked the electoral process,” stated Valero.

In addition, he emphasized that the election results demonstrate the impartiality of the electoral authorities, and that Venezuela has an electoral power “independent and autonomous, which trust has been proven. Its authorities have won the respect and recognition of all Venezuelans.”

Following Ambassador Valero’s remarks, in an unusual show of support, 23 member countries expressed their satisfaction for the way Election Day was carried out and congratulated the Government, electoral authorities, and the people of Venezuela for their civic conduct and democratic spirit demonstrated on December 2. The Permanent Council took note of the different interventions which underscored the strengthening and consolidation of democracy in Venezuela.

Ambassador Valero thanked the voices of solidarity and support offered to President Chavez and the people of Venezuela and said that those expressions “will serve as inspirations to help our struggle for building in Venezuela a democratic society based on justice, equality and solidarity.

Also, the OAS Permanent Council conveyed a congratulatory message to the people of Argentina for the recent swearing in of President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Reference: E-333/07