EN Official Journal of the European Union CE 88/346

(2004/C 88 E/0353)

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1294/03

by José Ribeiro e Castro (UEN) to the Commission

(7 April 2003)

Subject: Venezuela — democratic solution to the crisis

Thanks to the initiative taken by former US President Jimmy Carter, the agreement reached between President Chávez and the Venezuelan opposition means that there are two options for ending the conflict between the two sides: either a constitutional amendment limiting the presidential mandate, or a referendum revoking that mandate.

Carter believes that the constitutional amendment would be more rapid and feasible. The referendum, which is covered by the current Constitution, could take place from 19 August 2003, when Chávez's mandate reaches its halfway point. The President apparently prefers this second option.

Negotiations are still going on.

The media have reported that Rafael Alonso, a member of the leadership of Coordinadora Democrática, has now protested that Chávez, having promised that he would submit his mandate to the will of the people on 19 August, and even criticised the opposition for its impatience, has now, in his latest television appearance, made it clear that he is thinking of going to full term in 2006 after all.

The Commission:

— what information does it have about the way the negotiations are going;

— what approaches has it made or does it intend to make to the Venezuelan Presidency with a view to encouraging the end of a crisis which is affecting the whole of Venezuelan society, so that one of these two options is really taken up, thus ensuring a democratic solution?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission

(15 May 2003)

Since the start of the negotiations on 8 November 2002 between representatives of the Government of Venezuela and the ‘Coordinadora Democrática’ (organised opposition), two agreements have been reached. The first was a Pact against Violence, reached in February 2003. The second agreement was presented by the Organisation of American States (OAS) facilitator on 11 April 2003 and was due to be signed on 22 April 2003. This ‘pre-agreement’ moves towards a possible revocatory referendum on the mandate of President Chávez, once he reaches half term on the 19 August 2003, as provided by the Constitution. It seems that the opposition is ready to sign it while the government has presented some amendments. The signing of the agreement was postponed. However the government is under international pressure, mainly from members of the ‘Group of Friends’, to accept and sign it.

The main disagreement during the negotiations on this ‘pre-agreement’ has been whether the sitting president can participate in the new elections should his mandate be revoked through the referendum. An opposition party demanded clarification on this point from the Supreme Court, which is yet to be issued.

The ‘pre-agreement’ includes the role of the international actors, naming the United Nations Development Programme, Carter Center and OAS as international guarantors. The Group of Friends has expressed its satisfaction with the latest developments and its readiness to assist in the future process.

The Commission and the Member States are following the situation in Venezuela with great attention. Preoccupied by the evident split of society into supporters and opponents of President Chávez, the Union has expressed in several declarations (October and December 2002, January 2003) its full support for the OAS efforts, and the Group of Friends, to facilitate a national dialogue between the Government and the ‘Coordinadora Democrática’ (organised opposition) as well as other relevant sectors of society. The Union has emphasised the need for a peaceful, democratic, constitutional and electoral solution to the crisis. Two Member States (Spain and Portugal) are members of the Group of Friends.

Furthermore, the Commission is financially supporting the OAS in facilitating the ongoing dialogue between the parties and the implementation of possible agreements on three main points: free and fair elections, creation of a Truth Commission to investigate the events of April 2002 and disarming the civilian population. The Commission is also prepared to send an electoral observation mission, in the event that an electoral consultation takes place and the Venezuelan government requests such a mission.