Q COSTA RICA – Former Costa Rican president, Laura Chinchilla (2010-2014) and Miguel Ángel Rodríguez (1998-2002) have been appointed by the Iniciativa Democrática de España y las Américas (IDEA) – Democratic Initiative of Spain and the Americas – as observers of the popular consultation convened by the Venezuelan opposition for this Sunday, July 16.
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Chinchilla and Rodriguez will be accompanied by other former presidents: Vicente Fox, of Mexico; Andres Pastrana of Colombia; and Jorge Quiroga of Bolivia.
According to former President Chinchilla, the presidents have been warned that their entry to Venezuela may be denied by the government of Nicolas Maduro.
“I am very honored to have been invited by the President of the National Assembly and a large group of democratic forces from Venezuela to accompany the citizens of that country in the courageous civic plebiscite (…). We are warned that government authorities could deny us entry. Our mission is of peace, we are only armed with our democratic convictions and our spirit of solidarity with the struggle of the Venezuelan people,” said Chinchilla.
The Venezuelan opposition plans to consult the people three points: if the constituent called by President Nicolás Maduro is unknown, what should be the role of the Armed Forces to restore constitutional order and if it supports the renewal of the Public Powers.
For this day, more than 2,000 voting points will be enabled so that citizens who wish can participate in the popular consultation.
The plebiscite will also be distributed in 82 countries.
The Iniciativa Democrática de España y las Américas (IDEA) is an international non-governmental forum of 37 former Heads of State and Government, Democrats who respect the principle of alternation during their performance, sponsored by the IDEA-Democratic Foundation as their primary objective.
Based in Miami, Florida, its members include five former presidents of Costa Rica: Oscar Arias (1986-1990/2006-2010); Rafael Ángel Calderón (1990-1994); Luis Alberto Monge (1982-1986) deceased; Laura Chinchilla (2010-201); and Miguel Angel Rodriguez (1998-2002). Also, the former presidents of Colombia, Álvaro Uribe (2002-2010), Belisario Betancur (1982-1986) and Andrés Pastrana (1998-2002); Mexico’s Vicente Fox (2000-2006) and Felipe Calderón H (2006-2012 ; Spain’s José María Aznar (1996-2004); Mireya Moscoso (1999-2004) of Panama; and Canadian former prime minister, Jean Chrétien (1993-2003), among others.
