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TERRORIST ATTACKS IN VENEZUELA ARE CONDEMNED
AT MEETING OF OAS PERMANENT COUNCIL

Ambassador Jorge Valero, the Venezuelan Permanent Representative to the Organization of American States (OAS), today repudiated the February 25 attacks on the diplomatic offices of Spain and Colombia in Caracas.

“These actions run completely contrary to the civic, democratic and peaceful spirit of the Venezuelan people and my government wants to place on record its staunch condemnation of such acts of terrorism,” Valero declared at a meeting of the OAS Permanent Council.

He also announced that the Venezuelan government has decided to set up a specialized unit to investigate and prosecute these acts of terrorism.

In his remarks, United States Ambassador to the OAS, Roger Noriega, said the attacks in Venezuela cast doubt on the Venezuelan government’s commitment to abide by the agreement on non-violence, signed February 18 with the opposition.

Noriega recalled that this past February 23 President Chávez criticized the governments of Spain, Colombia and the United States, as well as OAS Secretary General César Gaviria, warning them against interfering in the internal affairs of Venezuela. He explained that “President Chavez’ comments are surprising in light of the fact that the OAS member states and the OAS Secretary General have become involved in Venezuela at the invitation of the Government of Venezuela, with the express purpose of helping Venezuelans overcome the current polarization.”

Meanwhile, Canada’s Ambassador to the OAS, Paul Durand, said his government was very concerned at the latest developments in Venezuela. He added that such actions can neither be justified nor tolerated. Noting it was especially disappointing that this should come after the agreement against violence was signed, the Canadian diplomat urged all parties and sectors of Venezuelan society to focus on finding a peaceful solution to the crisis. He also urged the government to thoroughly investigate the events and bring the perpetrators to justice.

In a second intervention, the Venezuelan Ambassador touched on the arrest of Carlos Fernández, noting it “stems from a decision taken by the Attorney General’s Office” and is covered by “all the guarantees that are enjoyed in a democratic state.”

Ambassador Valero also lamented the “interpretation made by one delegation” making a connection between a statement by President Chávez and the acts of violence. Valero said, “On behalf of the government of Venezuela, I wish to categorically, and with due respect, refute such interpretations, which are totally unjustified.”

Colombia’s Alternate Representative, María Clara Merchan, noted that the attack on her country’s Consulate had left severe material damage. She also noted the interest of the Venezuelan government to pursue jointly with the Colombian authorities the corresponding investigation to establish what took place and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Reiterating her government’s support for the efforts of the OAS Secretary General and the Group of Friends in Venezuela, the Colombian delegate argued that the entire Hemisphere shared the need to reject all terrorist acts. “Colombia has waged a campaign to prevent and fight such acts that are an assault on democracy, security, stability of states and development for our peoples.”

Spain’s Permanent Observer to the OAS, Ambassador Eduardo Gutiérrez, thanked the delegations for the expressions of solidarity with his country in the wake of the serious attack on the Spanish Embassy in Caracas. He said his government “has received assurances from the Venezuelan authorities that they will conduct a thorough investigation of this regrettable attack.” Ambassador Gutiérrez also read a statement issued by the Presidency of the European Union, deploring such acts of violence.

Reference: E-044/03