Latin American political leaders on Monday praised Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez for his acceptance of the result of a referendum during which most Venezuelans voted against his constitutional reforms.
Chavez put forward 69 constitutional reforms to a Sunday referendum: 33proposed by himself and 36 proposed by the nation's legislature. On the day, 51.05 percent of Venezuelans voted against the measures and 48.9 percent voted in favor, with an abstention rate of 45 percent.
Key reforms included extending the presidential term to seven years from six, allowing indefinite reelection and removing the Central Bank's autonomy.
Peruvian President Alan Garcia said, "President Chavez has acted democratically in submitting his proposal to the people and by recognizing the victory of those who opposed the idea."
He said that Chavez's attitude would not only help Venezuela's people but also Chavez himself, "who has raised his profile as a ruler that listens to his people."
Mexican President Felipe Calderon, praised Chavez for his "great bravery," adding "congratulations to the Venezuelan people for taking part and doing so with great responsibility; and to Hugo Chavez for recognizing the result whether or not it was favorable to him."
Nicaraguan Vice-President Jaime Morales said Chavez had come through the referendum with his credentials strengthened. "We are advancing in Latin America when it comes to recognizing the will of our people," he said.
Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stressed in a meeting with members of his cabinet on Monday that Chavez recognized the legitimacy of the result of the referendum.
Lula said the movement in favor of the refusal of the reforms had been growing stronger, especially due to the participation of students.
"President Chavez accepted the result in a tranquil way. I think that was good for democracy," added Foreign Minister Celso Amorim on Monday.
Amorim described Chavez as "elegant and calm" in accepting his defeat, saying the process had been good for democracy. He also praised Venezuela for the peaceful process of the referendum.
Cuban Foreign Minister Felipe Perez Roque hailed what he called Chavez's "ethical attitude" in accepting defeat and said it had given the lie to campaigns alleging that Chavez does not respect democracy.
Willy Meyers, a deputy to the European parliament who had been in Venezuela during the campaign as an observer, told media that "this was a lesson given by the electoral authority in giving results clearly and transparently."
Source: Xinhua
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