Belisario Velasco expects resolution for struggle between radicals and Escalona

SANTIAGO.- Today, the former Minister of the Interior and right hand man of Eduardo Frei Ruiz-Tagle, Belisario Velasco, downplayed the conflict that has emerged between Camilo Escalona and José Antonio Gómez -which has even prompted the Radical Party to freeze its relations with the socialist leader-, calling the situation "a momentary bout of tension" that should "resolve itself soon".

"I think that this can be resolved in the short term with a little bit of will power", the head of Frei's political team stated. Velasco also asserted his confidence that the spat "should not affect the DC senator's campaign at all".

With regards to the former President possibly serving as a mediator in an effort to mend relations between the PS and the PRSD, Velasco opted not to offer an opinion on the matter and only indicated that "both are excellent individuals and are also presidents of two key Concertación parties", adding that he hopes the issue will be resolved "as soon as possible".

The Radical Party announced yesterday that it will remain steadfast as long as Escalona "refuses to offer a public apology to José Antonio Gómez after the gratuitously offensive remarks he made towards him" during Frei's proclamation on Sunday.