§ Mr. SimmondsTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what communications his Department has had with the Government of Venezuela following the recent violence in Caracas. [161017]
§ Mr. RammellFollowing the demonstrations in Caracas on 27 February 2004, the British Ambassador has called on the President of the Supreme Court, Dr. Ivan Rincon, the Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr. Rafael Ramirez and the Fiscal General, Dr. Isaias Rodriguez. The United Kingdom is fully aligned with the EU statement on Venezuela issued on 4 March 2004, calling on all parties involved in the Venezuelan political process to work towards a democratic and peaceful solution to the crisis.