March 27, 2005
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs: Vestey Group can appeal to international organs

(VHeadline.com)- "Venezuelan Deputy Minister of Foreign Affair, Delcy Rodríguez says she has informed the British government that Venezuela will respect international agreements, including any that may crop up in confused situations involving juridical insecurity

Analysts suggest that the Minister is referring to the case of El Charcote farm, belonging to the British Agroflora Co., a Vestey subsidiary.

Rodríguez has told Notitarde tabloid that the Venezuelan government has excellent relations with the UK. 'We have always said that any kind of procedure undertaken will be in conformity with the norm, we guarantee it. The British government should have full guarantee that we will respect international agreements. President Chávez Frías himself has confirmed the same to Ambassador Donald Lamont.'

The Minister opens the possibility that in the case of El Charcote and the National Lands Institute (INTI), the company has the possibility of appealing to international organs, if there were any violation of international agreements .

Venezuela has an international investments protection agreement with the UK. Rodríguez insists if El Charcote owners can prove their right to the land, it will be upheld because the Venezuelan Constitution respects private poverty

During a visit to London, Rodríguez met UK authorities to hammer home the Venezuelan government's determination to respect norms and agreements, especially regarding investments".