U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan said today that he is closely watching Venezuela's preparations for the referendum election scheduled for August 15. Annan reiterated the U.N. commitment to continue supporting Venezuelans "in their search for a constitutional, democratic solution to their political differences." The "constitutional process" has been preserved in the preparations, and Annan "remains convinced that only thus will Venezuelans ensure a successful outcome of the referendum and prevent further polarization of their society," said U.N. spokesman Fred Eckhard. The secretary-general sent a U.N. special adviser last July to Caracas for a fact-finding mission. Annan was satisfied with the role international observers-particularly the Organization of American States and the Carter Center-were playing in the preparation process, and decided not to send a U.N. observer for the referendum. "The secretary-general wishes to remind the government of Venezuela and all political sectors that all sides committed themselves to resolving issues relating to the referendum of August 15 through consultations and dialogue," said Eckhard.
