This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available. |
UNCLAS CARACAS 002518 |
1. (U) The U.S.-Venezuela Interparliamentary Forum (informally known as the "Boston Group") met at the Venezuelan National Assembly August 4. At the meeting, which was open to the press, U.S. Representatives Cass Ballenger, Bill Delahunt and Gregory Meeks noted the Boston Group's role in strengthening democracy and respect for democratic institutions in Venezuela. During their brief speeches, the Venezuelan legislators spoke highly of the Boston Group and the positive contributions the group has made in strengthening democracy in Venezuela. End Summary. -------------------------- Importance of Institution Building -------------------------- 2. (U) U.S. Representatives Cass Ballenger (R-NC), Gregory Meeks (D-NY) and Bill Delahunt (D-MA), speaking at the U.S.-Venezuela Interparliamentary Forum (informally known as the Boston Group) August 4, reiterated that the primary mission of the group is to focus on institution building as a requisite for a strong and vibrant democracy. Additionally, the U.S. Representatives emphasized the need to strengthen legislative bodies not only in Venezuela, but throughout the countries of the Western Hemisphere. Delahunt noted that the Boston Group could serve as an example for other Latin American countries about the importance of working together to strengthen and build democratic processes and institutions. The U.S. Representatives also noted that the August 15 recall referendum is historic not only for Venezuela but for the rest of the Hemisphere and that this process itself is evidence that democracy is alive and vibrant in Venezuela. They advocated that the presidential recall referendum be transparent and fair and that all sectors of Venezuelan society respect the referendum results. -------------------------- THE BOSTON GROUP OF FRIENDS -------------------------- 3. (U) Fifth Republic Movement (MVR) Deputy Calixto Ortega highlighted the importance of the Boston Group in providing a neutral forum where pro-GOV and pro-opposition members could meet to debate their political differences. He called the Boston Group a true friend of Venezuela and suggested that the group consider expanding to deal with other issues and actors in Venezuelan society. Fellow MVR Deputy Saul Ortega, echoed Ortega's statements and also called for the Boston Group to act as a facilitator with other actors within the political sphere. Ortega proposed, and his colleagues approved by acclamation, that Rep. Cass Ballenger become the Honorary President of the Boston Group upon his retirement from the United States Congress and recommended that the group's next meeting be held in the Gran Sabana in Venezuela. -------------------------- Comment -------------------------- 4. (U) This Boston Group meeting reinforced the belief that Venezuelans can and should work together to strengthen democracy through the respect for the rule of law and institution building. The comments of pro-GOV and pro-opposition deputies regarding the Boston Group were quite similar despite their different political perspectives. All deputies were pretty much in agreement on the need to continue the Boston Group's mission of strengthening democracy in Venezuela. All 12 deputies appeared grateful for the work and assistance Reps. Ballenger and Meeks, and Senator Delahunt, have provided through the Boston Group thus far. 5. (U) Codel Ballenger did not have the opportunity to clear this message before its departure. Shapiro NNNN 2004CARACA02518 - UNCLASSIFIED |