IRI President Folsom Praises Venezuelan Civil Society's Defense of Democracy |
WASHINGTON, April 12 /PRNewswire/ -- George A. Folsom, President of the
International Republican Institute (IRI) praised the Venezuelan people in
their efforts to bring democracy to the country. The following is a statement
from President Folsom concerning last night's events.
"Last night, led by every sector of civil society, the Venezuelan people
rose up to defend democracy in their country. Venezuelans were provoked into
action as a result of systematic repression by the Government of Hugo Chavez.
Several hundred thousand people filled the streets of Caracas to demand the
resignation of Lt. Col. Hugo Chavez. Chavez responded with sharpshooters and
his para-military Bolivarian circles killing more than 12 civilians and
wounding more than 100 others. In contrast, IRI commends the patriotism of
the Venezuelan military for their refusal to fire on their countrymen.
"IRI also applauds the bravery of civil society leaders -- members of the
media, the Church, the nation's educators and school administrators, political
party leaders, labor unions, and the business sector -- who have put their
very lives on the line in their struggle to restore genuine democracy to their
country. IRI will remain engaged for the long term with political parties and
our civil society partners to help rebuild Venezuela's fractured political
system and restore elected democracy to the country.
"IRI has promoted the strengthening of democracy in Venezuela since 1994
and recognizes that Venezuela's future is not a return to its pre-Chavez past,
but instead the development of accountable, non-corrupt, and responsive
government.
"Today the National Assembly is expected to meet to lay the groundwork for
the transitional government to hold elections later this year. The Institute
has served as a bridge between the nation's political parties and all civil
society groups to help Venezuelans forge a new democratic future, based on
accountability, rule of law and sound democratic institutions. We stand ready
to continue our partnership with the courageous Venezuelan people."
IRI is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing democracy
worldwide. IRI's programs span the globe and include training on civic
responsibility and the legislative process, and strategies for building
political parties and election campaigns. IRI is a nonpartisan organization,
federally funded through the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the
U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), as well as privately funded
by donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations.
SOURCE International Republican Institute
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CONTACT:
Steven Susens, IRI Press Secretary,
+1-202-572-1559; cell, +1-202-253-0958; or ssusens@iri.org
