Alfredo Romero, Director of NGO Foro Penal Venezolano, urged Venezuelan reelected President Hugo Chávez to free the 16 political prisoners so as to truly bring about reconciliation or social peace in the country.

"Justice is fundamental for every Government that truly believes in reconciliation. For that reason, today, Foro Penal Venezolano, along with some human rights activists, welcomes the statement issued by the president and many ministers who have sustained that a reconciliation Government and national unity must take hold. The best way to prove it is by freeing these prisoners," Romero said.

"Foro Penal is most willing to sit and talk about this issue with the president or any person he appoints, and come to terms," explained Romero, who also urged the president to think about the families of the prisoners.

Translated by Jhean Cabrera