The situation in Venezuela is a matter of concern to Ireland and to our EU partners and is monitored closely within the EU's Foreign Affairs Council. The recent steps taken by the United States are intended to impose financial and travel restrictions on seven named individuals in leadership positions in Venezuela whom the United States has identified as being involved in human rights violations. The accompanying Executive Order signed by President Obama provides the legal basis for the sanctions in accordance with US law.
The measures invoked by the United States have given rise to diplomatic tensions between the US and Venezuela and have been commented on widely. I am pleased that the US has advised that the measures in question are not directed against the Venezuelan people as a whole, only against the named individuals. Official sources have clarified that the US does not consider Venezuela to be a threat to its national security and Venezuela is not listed by the US State Department as a state sponsor of terrorism. President Obama and President Maduro discussed their countries' bilateral relations at the Summit of the Americas in Panama on 10 April in what was described as a candid, serious and frank manner. Since then, a team from the US State Department has returned to Caracas, at President Maduro’s invitation, for official discussions.
I am following the situation in Venezuela closely and with concern. Increasing internal tensions, political polarisation, and a severe economic crisis have led to serious shortages in medical supplies and daily goods. I am concerned that a severe humanitarian crisis may develop if the situation is not resolved soon. The deaths, casualties and detentions arising from the unrest in Venezuela require full, impartial investigation in accordance with due legal process. The apparently high levels of impunity in the case of serious crimes are a matter of further concern.
I share the view expressed by EU High Representative Mogherini, and by Venezuela’s regional partners, that the government there must work with all parties and with civil society to overcome the difficult situation in the country. I encourage all sides to enter into inclusive and open negotiations to meet the legitimate concerns of the people of Venezuela. I remain of the view that the best hope for progress is an inclusive dialogue to address the challenges facing the country, fully respecting the democratic rights of people on all sides.
I welcome the recent report that Venezuela’s National Electoral Commission have confirmed that legislative elections will be held by the end of the current year. It is essential that the elections, and the campaign preceding it, be held in a manner that is fully free and fair and in accordance with international standards.
