Statement by ICEM Latin America and the Caribbean on the coup in Venezuela

Rio de Janeiro,
April 12th, 2002

Statement by ICEM Latin America and the Caribbean condemning the coup in Venezuela

1. The International Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mine and General Workers’ Union in Latin America and the Caribbean vehemently condemns the coup perpetrated in the early morning of April 12th 2002 against the constitutional government of Venezuela.


2. We call upon all our affiliates in Latin America and the Caribbean, especially those in the oil sector, to similarly condemn the forces that carried out the coup, and to close ranks in defence of the Rule of Law and of Human and Trade Union Rights.


3. We urge international forums, the United Nations and the Organisation of American States to conduct an immediate investigation into reports of violations of Human Rights perpetrated by the putschist forces.


4. Finally, we call upon governments whose countries are OAS members not to recognise the “provisional government”, but to testify to its unconstitutionality and to take an unequivocal stand in defence of the Rule of Law.


Luiz Gonzaga Ulhoa Tenório
Regional President