§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he has had discussions over the last 36 months with the United States Administration regarding its position on unrest in Venezuela: and if he will make a statement. [186391]
§ Mr. RammellWe are in regular contact with the US Administration at all levels and our discussions cover a variety of issues, including Venezuela.
§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support the British Government offered to Venezuela following the referendum which elected President Chavez in December 1999; and if he will make a statement. [186392]
§ Mr. RammellPresident Chavez was elected to office in 1998 and re-elected in 2000. A referendum was held in December 1999, to approve a new constitution.
We have consistently supported the democratic and constitutional process in Venezuela, particularly the agreement between the Venezuelan Government and opposition in May 2003, which called for a "peaceful, democratic, electoral and constitutional" outcome in Venezuela.