The president of the National Assembly’s Commission of Interior Policy, Tulio Jiménez, said on September 7 that the Venezuelan legislature will approve in the coming days the draft of the Law on Disarmament and Arms and Munitions Control.

During a television interview, the deputy highlighted that the law foresees a voluntarily turnover of arms during 180 days for those who have obtained them illegally, as well as the registration of those that have obtained arms legally.

Jiménez said that if arms are not handed over, the government would use special operatives to seize illegal arms and munitions.

The congressman noted that for the first time there will be legislation regarding the control of ammunition. Jimenez also indicated that there will be an intense campaign with the support of the media to encourage the voluntary surrender of weapons. The media will also be expected to publicize the risks and penalties of the illegal possession of weapons.

This legal instrument was adopted during first reading in May, so the congressmen considers that  opposition candidates cannot attempt to make this project a political banner in their campaign.

Jimenez said the plan calls for no more than 25 munitions per Venezuelan, replaceable to the extent that the individual demonstrates that they were used with justification. He noted that there exists the possibility of the possession and carrying of weapons, though this new legal instrument has broad restrictions. Among them, there is a section that bans the use of guns among persons under 25 years of age.

Among other elements, the congressman said the legislation prohibits carrying weapons in public, in health and educational facilities, and in places of detention of children and adolescents.

Venezuelan News Agency (VNA) / Embassy of Venezuela in USA / September 7, 2010