New York, December 9, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Last night (8) in this capital, president Fernando Henrique Cardoso received a telephone call from Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez, to reassure him about political instability in the neighboring country. Cardoso was participating in a reception offered by the Brazilian representative to the United Nations (UN), Gelson Fonseca, when Hugo Chavez called. The president asked if Chavez remained willing to continue attempts to negotiate with Venezuelan authorities. Chavez guaranteed that he will make an effort to continue the dialogue.

With regard to the supply of petroleum from Venezuela - which is one of the world's largest oil exporters - Chavez said that he faces some difficulties, but he guaranteed control of the situation.

President Cardoso denied that Chavez requested intervention by the Organization of American States (OAS), and he disclosed that, from Hugo Chavez's perspective, "everything is under control" in the neighboring country. "He just wanted to provide me information first-hand on the situation in Venezuela," the president concluded. (DAS)