Venezuela: Annan welcomes decision to have international observation of voting

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the decision by Venezuela's National Electoral Council to involve international observers in the search by government and opposition for a constitutional solution to the country's political stalemate.

In a statement released by his spokesman, Mr. Annan called the decision "an important element in ensuring a peaceful, electoral and constitutional solution to the country's political impasse."

The Government and the opposition Coordinadora Democratica signed an agreement on 29 May 2003 to seek a constitutional solution.