Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has opened a meeting of the nation's council of state by praising the role of the armed forces in restoring him to office.
 
 

President Hugo Chavez

 The meeting is meant to set the stage for a national dialogue to unite the country.

 Church officials, some business leaders and some opposition politicians say they are willing to participate in the dialogue.

 President Chavez was removed from office by rebellious military officers last Friday. He was restored to power on Sunday and the interim leader, Pedro Carmona, is under house arrest.

 Meanwhile, the head of the Organization of American States is to address member state foreign ministers Thursday, in Washington, on his fact-finding mission to Venezuela.
 
 

Cesar Gaviria (VOA photo - G. Flakus)

 Secretary-General Gaviria has called on Venezuelans to accept the constitution and Mr. Chavez as president.

 In a meeting Thursday with President Bush, Colombian President Andres Pastrana said he hopes President Chavez makes changes in Venezuela to respect civil laws, guarantee the rights of the opposition and respect human rights.

 President Pastrana said he hopes President Chavez "corrects" his mistakes.

 President Chavez has admitted his errors and appealed for the country to calmly retreat from violence. Dozens of Venezuelans were killed in massive street protests in Caracas, when soldiers first ousted Mr. Chavez. 

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.

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