CARACAS, July 24 (Xinhuanet) -- Venezuelan Vice President Jose Rangel said Saturday that the government is prepared to sign a public and formal agreement with the opposition to ensure the upcoming referendum on President Hugo Chavez's presidency.

    Under the agreement, the opposition and the government will commit themselves to keeping a democratic attitude and respecting the rule of law and the electoral results of the recall referendum scheduled on Aug. 15, Rangel said upon leaving the National Cemetery, where he presided over a ceremony marking the 221st anniversary of the birth of national hero Simon Bolivar.

    Meanwhile, the vice president guaranteed security in Venezuela prior to the referendum. "We are activated everywhere. The intelligence and security organizations are functioning. We are taking a series of measures to keep public order and guarantee the safety of every Venezuelan, and at the same time, safeguard the referendum process," he said.

    However, Rangel said the government was concerned by the theft of explosives and firearms this week. He blamed the opposition for these irregularities, which are being investigated by police and military authorities.

    "There are people moving in the direction of terrorism again," he pointed out. Enditem