Question by Sahra Wagenknecht, 6 September 2004

Given the clear vote by the Venezuelan people in the referendum of 15 August 2004 in favour of the continuation of President Hugo Chávez's mandate, does the Commission see a need to rethink its current negative attitude towards the Venezuelan Government?

In this regard, can the statement by a Commission spokesperson on 16 August 2004 that the referendum represented a 'victory for democracy' be taken to mean that the majority decision of the Venezuelan population will be respected and that the Venezuelan opposition's policy of obstruction will no longer be endorsed?

Answer given by Mr Patten on behalf of the Commission, 28 September 2004

The Commission congratulated the Venezuelan people on their commitment to democracy on the occasion of the referendum of 15 August 2004. The Commission also welcomed this confirmation of their readiness to implement the political agreement of 29 May 2003 between the Government and the 'Democratic Coordination' (Coordinadora Democrática) in order to promote a pacific, democratic and constitutional solution to the political crisis.

The Commission, like the EU as a whole, has taken note of the results of the referendum and of the findings of the Organisation of American States and the Carter Centre on the referendum process, who have stated that the results announced by Venezuela's National Election Council (CNE) are fully compatible with their own. A further audit of 150 randomly chosen electoral centres confirmed this assessment.

The Commission now calls on all parties to fully respect the results of the referendum, and hopes that this revocatory referendum will prove an important step and solid basis to resolve the political crisis, to promote national reconciliation and democratic stability in Venezuela within the framework of the constitution, the rule of law and democratic principles. The Commission also hopes that the conclusion of this process will help to foster economic growth and equitable social development in Venezuela.