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US urges Venezuelans to vote in referendum
WASHINGTON
Petroleumworld.com 11 30 07
The United States on Thursday urged all Venezuelans to take part in Sunday's referendum for constitutional reforms proposed by President Hugo Chavez, but stopped short of suggesting how they should vote.
"We urge the Venezuelans to participate in the vote, exercising their inalienable right to express themselves democratically in a climate of tolerance, free from intimidation and violence," said a State Department spokesman who remained anonymous.
"We join the European Union and many other democracies in highlighting the importance of this referendum," he added without indicating whether Washington favored any particular outcome in the vote.
Venezuelans on Sunday are called to vote on constitutional reforms Chavez's ruling party pushed through an assembly practically unopposed.
Chavez says the reforms aim to further his socialist agenda but the opposition warns the changes would expand presidential powers to the verge of dictatorship.
Story from AFP 29 2218 GMT 11 07
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