The European Union today asked for the respect of the will of its people, the day after the overthrow of the president by the United States, considering that this is “the only way to solve the crisis”, according to a statement.
Clarifying that she is speaking on behalf of the 26 countries (all member states except Hungary), the head of European diplomacy Kaya Kalas “calls on all actors to show calm and restraint in order to avoid escalation and ensure a peaceful solution to the crisis”.
“Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current crisis,” the statement added.
The EU announcement:
“The European Union calls for calm and restraint from all parties involved in order to avoid escalation and ensure a peaceful solution to the crisis.
The EU recalls that, under any circumstances, the principles of international law and the Charter of the United Nations must be respected. The members of the United Nations Security Council have a special responsibility to uphold these principles, as a pillar of the international security architecture.
The EU has repeatedly stated that Nicolas Maduro lacks the legitimacy of a democratically elected president and has advocated a peaceful transition to Venezuela-led democracy in the country, while respecting its sovereignty. The right of the Venezuelan people to determine their future must be respected.
The EU shares the priority of combating transnational organized crime and drug trafficking, which represent a major security threat worldwide. At the same time, the EU emphasizes that these challenges must be addressed through sustained cooperation in full respect of international law and the principles of territorial integrity and sovereignty.
We are in close contact with the United States, as well as regional and international partners, to support and facilitate dialogue with all parties involved, leading to a Venezuelan-led, negotiated, democratic, inclusive and peaceful solution to the crisis.
Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current crisis.
At this critical moment, it is essential that all actors fully respect human rights and international humanitarian law. All political prisoners currently held in Venezuela must be released unconditionally.
Consular authorities of EU Member States work closely together to protect the safety of EU citizens, including those illegally detained in Venezuela.”
The declaration is supported by the 26 EU member states (Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden).
My statement supported by 26 EU Member States on the aftermath of the U.S. intervention in Venezuela ↓
— Kaja Kallas (@kajakallas)
