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OAS SECRETARY GENERAL CONGRATULATES GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE OF VENEZUELA ON EXEMPLARY REFERENDUM

  December 3, 2007

The Secretary General of the Organization of American States (OAS), José Miguel Insulza, has congratulated the government, political organizations and the people of Venezuela on the commendable electoral exercise undertaken in that country yesterday.

Insulza cited the referendum called by the government of President Hugo Chávez as an example of democratic progress at work in our region, because calling the vote reflects a decision by authorities to consult with citizens on major national issues. Carried out under complex circumstances, and in spite of the intense debate encompassing the electoral process, the will of the majority has been accepted by all sectors.

Against the backdrop of the impressive degree of civic-mindedness exhibited by the people and the government of Venezuela yesterday, Secretary General Insulza said, democracy in the region has overcome a major hurdle—and was indeed strengthened by it—providing clear evidence that it has been further consolidated.

Reference: E-316/07