December 6, 2005
The opposition cannot victimise itself in the eyes of the world

(Panorama Digital) - "The opposition's decision to withdraw from the parliamentary elections 'will not help them to be seen as victims who deserve solidarity from the international community', said José Miguel Vivanco, Director of Human Rights Watch Latin America.

Vivanco recalled the agreement between the opposition and the National Electoral Council, made through the OAS delegation, in which they agreed to participate in the elections in exchange for the elimination of the biometric machines.

The Director of Human Rights Watch, a strong critic of President Chávez's government who is seen by many as an ally of the Venezuelan opposition, was sceptical of the true intentions they had when they withdrew their candidatures.

'The main objection was the biometric machine, which was eliminated, and then their excuse was they did not trust the system, therefore there must have been another intention', said Vivanco".