Statement by Ambassador Roger F. Noriega

U.S. Permanent Representative to the OAS

Declaration on Democracy in Venezuela

June 4, 2002

As Secretary Powell said yesterday, "Venezuelan Democracy is being tested."

The tragic events of April 11-14 witnessed the needless deaths of dozens of Venezuelans, and an interruption of the constitutional order. Returned to power, President Chavez has called for national reconciliation through a national dialogue.

On April 18, a special session of the General Assembly approved a resolution in which it offered "to provide the support and help of the OAS as required by the government of Venezuela for the consolidation of the democratic process." This offer served as an expression of solidarity with all Venezuelans who believe in democracy and are willing to work to maintain it.

The resolution was based on the foundation of the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which effectively offers a series of practical mechanisms to help maintain and strengthen democratic institutions.

Nearly two months after the tragic events of April, the political situation inside Venezuela remains polarized. The region looks to President Chavez, and his expression of commitment, to achieve national reconciliation through a fair and balanced national dialogue process.

With its prior experience and new mandate under the Charter, the Inter-American community, through today's declaration, also encourages the Venezuelan government to advance dialogue and national reconciliation by taking advantage of the tools offered by the OAS, which are embodied in the Democratic Charter. The Organization, for example, could provide needed facilitation and

technical assistance to the dialogue process.

Similarly, we are encouraged by the Venezuelan National Assembly's decision to establish a Truth Commission to investigate the April violence, and consequent loss of life. The OAS, through the Democratic Charter, could also provide meaningful assistance to this process in the interest of furthering transparency of the democratic process.

On April 13, in the midst of the crisis affecting his country, our colleague Ambassador Valero ended his intervention to the Permanent Council with the following words: "Ayudemos a Venezuela a reencontrarse con la democracia."

The OAS responded to this plea, and continues to make its mechanisms available to assist Venezuela. We hope that the government of Venezuela will take up that offer. That would send a clear message of sincere commitment to strengthening democracy and would receive --I am certain --a response of singular solidarity from the member states.

In any event, the OAS remains engaged with Venezuela in its difficult moment. We call on the Venezuelan people and government to reach out to the OAS. Venezuela's neighbors and friends have extended a helpful hand.

The OAS has opened the toolbox of the Democratic Charter to help reinforce Venezuelan democracy. It is now up to the Venezuelan government to decide to use those tools.

As Secretary Powell said yesterday: "Our message is clear and it is constructive: The OAS stands ready to help Venezuelans."