Information on an individual named Pedro Paris Montesino could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB. However, the following information was found on a Venezuelan politician variously named Pedro París or Pedro París Montesinos.

Several reports describe Pedro París Montesinos as the president of Venezuela's senate (Xinhua 9 Mar. 1992; ibid., 11 Sept. 1992; Platt's Oilgram News 18 Jan. 1993). A 1992 report covered in the BBC Summary of World Broadcasts describes Montesinos as the president of Congress (BBC Summary, 9 Mar. 1992).

According to Latin American Weekly Report, Pedro París Montesinos became president of the Acción Democrática (AD) political party in 1993 (24 June 1993, 278). An IPS report names Pedro París as the president of the AD party, also without stating precisely when he assumed the presidency (21 May 1993). The Europa World Yearbook 1994 lists Pedro París Montesinos as AD party president, however, it does not indicate whether he is still a senator (1994, 3296).

In June 1994 Latin American Weekly Report stated that Montesinos, as party president, opposed the decision of the AD party executive to expel former Venezuelan president Carlos Andrés Perez, who was in office during the 1992 coup attempts, and who was later forced to step down as president (2 June 1994).

Information on whether Montesinos currently holds office in the Venezuelan senate, and on whether he has been linked to either the 1992 coup attempts or the MBR 200 could not be found among the sources consulted by the DIRB.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum. Please find below the list of additional sources consulted in researching this Information Request.

References

BBC Summary of World Broadcasts. 9 March 1992. "Venezuela Politicians and Business Leaders Comment on President's Reform Speech." (NEXIS)

The Europa World Yearbook 1994. 1994. 35th ed. Vol. 2. London: Europa Publications.

Inter Press Service (IPS). 21 May 1993. "Venezuela: Senate Votes Unanimously to Suspend President." (NEXIS)

Latin America Weekly Report [London]. 2 June 1994. "Venezuela: Politics: Pérez Gaoled to Await `Political' Trial."

_____. 24 June 1993. "Venezuela: Politics: Velasquez to Get Special Powers."

Platt's Oilgram News [New York]. 18 January 1993. "Venez.-U.S. Crude Scheme is Eyed." (NEXIS)

Xinhua General Overseas News Service. 11 September 1992. "Chinese NPC Vice-Chairman Meets Venezuelan Leaders." (NEXIS)

_____. 9 March 1992. "Venezuelan Speaker Urges Appointment of Premier." (NEXIS)

Additional Sources Consulted

Americas Update [Toronto]. Quarterly.

Amnesty International Report. 1994.

Amnesty International Country File.

Andean Group Report [London]. Weekly.

Andean Newsletter [Lima]. Monthly.

Centroamerica: The Month in Review [Minneapolis].

DIRB Country File.

Foreign Broadcast Information Service (FBIS) Reports. Daily.

Human Rights in Venezuela.

Human Rights Watch World Report 1995.

Human Rights Watch World Report 1994.

Keesing's Record of World Events.

Latinamerica Press [Lima]. Weekly.

Latin American Special Reports [London].

Latin American Weekly Report [London].

News From Americas Watch [New York].

People in Power.

Political Parties of the Americas: 1980s to 1990s.

Venezuela: The Eclipse of Human Rights.

On line searches of news articles.