PNP saddened by passing of former Venezuelan President

The Opposition People's National Party (PNP) has expressed regret at the passing of former President of Venezuela, Carlos Andres Perez.

A statement issued Sunday night by the Opposition hailed the late President for his progressive foreign policy stance towards Jamaica and the rest of the Caribbean.

The Party pointed to the periods 1974 to 1979 and 1989 to 1993 which it said were marked by Venezuela strengthening its relations with Jamaica.

The PNP said it was under Mr. Perez's leadership that the San Jose Accord, which provided energy security on concessional terms to Jamaica and other Caribbean countries, was forged.

It said the Accord was strengthened when Mr. Perez returned to power in the late 1980`s.

The Opposition PNP also noted his leadership role in Socialist International together with that of former Prime Minister Michael Manley, which it said helped to build a platform of dialogue between the developed countries of the North and the developing countries of the South, called the North-South Dialogue.                                 

Mr. Perez died on Saturday in Florida after suffering a heart attack.

He was 88 years old.