City of Oakland approves resolution in solidarity with Venezuela

By unanimous decision

On July 29, 2003, on the eve of the third delegation of the Venezuela Solidarity Group to Caracas, the Oakland City Council passed a resolution in support of non-violence, social justice, and democracy in the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

On Tuesday, August 12, 2003 the third delegation of the Venezuela Solidarity Group presented this resolution to the Caracas City Council.

The text of that document is below.

OAKLAND CITY COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. C. M. S. INTRODUCED BY COUNCILMEMBER Nancy J. Nadel and Ignacio de la Fuente A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE PEOPLE OF THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA IN THEIR EFFORTS TOWARDS PEACE AND DEMOCRACY

WHEREAS, the City of Oakland owes much of its heritage to the people, history, cultures, and traditions of Latin America; and

WHEREAS, Venezuela is a dynamic and diverse country with an extensive history of struggle for social justice and democratic rights; and

WHEREAS, in 1998 Hugo Chavez Frias was elected President of Venezuela by a large majority in fair and open elections; and

WHEREAS, the government of Venezuela and members of the opposition parties have recently signed a formal agreement, brokered by the Organization of American States and the Carter Center, to respect non-violence, the Venezuelan Constitution, and democratic methods in their political actions; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Oakland City Council recognizes the administration of President Hugo Chavez Fr’as and the people of Venezuela for their dedication to democracy and social justice in their country; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Oakland City Council supports continued dialogue, non-violence, and popular participation in Venezuela’s path towards for peace, social justice and democracy; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City of Oakland confirms its commitment to helping support democracy, social justice, and democratic values in Venezuela and throughout all of Latin America.

IN COUNCIL, OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA, JULY 29, 2003 PASSED BY THE FOLLOWING VOTE:

AYES- BROOKS, BRUNNER, CHANG, NADEL, QUAN, REID, WAN AND PRESIDENT DE LA FUENTE.

NOES-ABSENT- ABSTENTION-

ATTEST: CEDA FLOYD

City Clerk and Clerk of the Council of the City of Oakland, California