China hopes for stability in Venezuela
( 2002-04-12 17:27 ) (9 )

China, which has large investments in Venezuela's oil fields, said Friday it hoped Venezuela will regain stability as soon as possible.

"We are monitoring developments in the situation in Venezuela and hope Venezuela will resume stability as soon as possible," the Chinese foreign ministry said in a statement.

The statement was released after President Hugo Chavez agreed Friday to resign from office, under pressure from military leaders after a massive demonstration against him turned violent, leaving 11 people dead and nearly 95 injured.

"China and Venezuela are friendly nations. We are willing to continue developing friendly cooperative relations with Venezuela on the foundation of the five principles of peaceful coexistence," the ministry statement said.