Written question asked by Peter L Pike (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 July 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 September 2004. It was answered by Bill Rammell (Labour) on Wednesday, 8 September 2004 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To 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.

Answer: Mr. Pike: To 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. Rammell: President 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.

Secondary information