UN adviser urges dialogue, not polarization, for Venezuela's political actors

A United Nations adviser today urged Venezuela's political actors to move away from the polarization that has prevailed in the period leading up to next month's recall referendum on President Hugo Chavez.

In remarks to the press in Caracas, Diego Cordovez, the Special Adviser on Latin American Issues for Secretary-General Kofi Annan, urged the parties to move instead towards a dialogue to ensure a broadly acceptable constitutional and political solution.

Mr. Cordovez, who wrapped up his mission to Venezuela today, arrived in the country earlier this week to follow first-hand the latest developments regarding the referendum scheduled for 15 August.

During his visit, he met with representatives from the Government, opposition, media, civil society and other international players.

The UN will not be sending observers for the referendum.