Audio: Antonio Ledezma Díaz, Mayor of Caracas, Venezuela

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by AS/COA, the Mayor of Caracas Antonio Ledezma Díaz said the opposition in Venezuela must reorganize its ranks and mobilize for the 2012 presidential elections. Following Ledezma's election as metropolitan mayor in November, the federal government curtailed his mayoral power by installing an unelected parallel authority. He criticized the hijacking of state and local institutions by the central government, a situation which he said creates severe judicial and legislative insecurity.

Ledezma asked for solidarity from the Organization of American States and the Venezuelan community living abroad in the opposition's quest to fight for civil liberties and declare an end to political persecution. He also referred to the border dilemma with Colombia, where he said Venezuelan security forces are suspected of having ties with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

Listen to a podcast of the mayor's remarks (en español).

Download an mp3 of the audio.