The following information was obtained in a 29 October 1996 telephone interview with the manager of the Fundación Farmacía Social drugstore in the Caricuao neighbourhood of Caracas.

The manager stated that the Fundación Farmacia Social is a non-profit chain of 15 pharmacies that has been in existence since 1991-1992. The organization's objective is to provide low-cost medicine (from drugs to syringes) to the general population.

The source reported that the Fundación Farmacia Social is 100 per cent privately owned and is headed by an executive committee comprised of community leaders (Junta directiva comunitaria). The source told the DIRB that to her knowledge the government plays no role whatsoever in the existence, activities and management of the Fundación. The source mentioned that the Fundación operates only in the federal district and has an average of 8-10 employees in each of its 15 drugstores.

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.

Fundación Farmacia Social Urbanización Caricuao, Caracas. 29 October 1996. Telephone interview with the manager.