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Thursday, March 4, 2004

Milos Alcalay, a career diplomat who has represented his country for 30 years, made his announcement at a news conference. Copies of a letter to Venezuelan Foreign Minister Jesus Arnaldo Perez were handed out.

Alcalay said his diplomatic career had been guided by the principles of protecting human rights, operating through a transparent democratic process and supporting an open dialogue for international diplomacy.

"Sadly, Venezuela now is operating devoid of these fundamental principles, which I still remain intensely committed to. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart today that I am resigning from my position," he said in his statement.

Alcalay's resignation came amid opposition protests of the National Elections Council's decision to reject a petition for a recall vote against President Hugo Chavez.

The ambassador said he believed the arguments set forth by the Elections Council violated "the spirit and the purpose" of Venezuela's constitution "and rob Venezuelans of the right to effect change through the democratic process."

He denounced the Chavez government's record on human rights.

"We've seen army and police repression, unacceptable loss of life, disappearance of political leaders and there have been allegations of torture," Alcalay said. "A peaceful demonstration of citizens is no longer feasible in Venezuela, and brutal repression must stop."

The ambassador warned that "the increasing bipolarization and problems we are experiencing at home in Venezuela have impacted our relationships around the world."

"I cannot remain indifferent before the sad events in my country, the loss of many lives and the outcry of the Venezuelan people whose political and civil rights are under threat," he said.

The South American nation of 24 million people is torn between Venezuelans who say Chavez has become increasingly autocratic and those who say he speaks for the poor.

© 2004 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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