Niall Collins
Ceist:58. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the situation in Venezuela; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3972/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraTuesday, 29 January 2019
Ceisteanna (58, 79)
Thomas Byrne
Ceist:79. Deputy Thomas Byrne asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the recent re-election of Mr. Nicolas Maduro as the President of Venezuela. [3859/19]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
I propose to take Questions Nos. 58 and 79 together.
I continue to be deeply concerned by the political, economic, social and humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, which has had a grave impact on the Venezuelan people, and has resulted in mass migration, affecting countries in the region and overall regional stability.
On 10 January, President Maduro started a new mandate on the basis of non-democratic elections held in May 2018. Ireland was not represented at the inauguration, and fully supports the declaration by EU High Representative Federica Mogherini of 10 January. This statement reiterates that the May 2018 Presidential election was neither free nor fair, and that its outcome lacked credibility. The statement also urges President Maduro to release all political prisoners, to uphold the rule of law, human rights and fundamental freedoms, and to urgently address the needs of the population.
I, alongside my EU partners, have repeatedly called on the Venezuelan Government to engage in dialogue with the opposition, to respect the electoral calendar and to fully restore the country’s democratic institutions. It is regrettable that the Venezuelan Government has not heeded these calls for fresh presidential elections in accordance with internationally recognised democratic standards and the Venezuelan constitutional order.
Ireland is committed to finding ways to foster shared democratic solutions that can bring political stability and address the pressing needs of the Venezuelan people. It is my continued belief that a credible, meaningful dialogue is the most effective way of achieving a peaceful solution to the current crisis in Venezuela. In that regard, Ireland regrets the negative impact the assumption of this new mandate may have on the possibility of achieving this negotiated solution. It will be vital that the EU remains engaged with all stakeholders in Venezuela.
The recent protests in Caracas are a demonstration of the Venezuelan people's will and their demand for democracy. It is imperative that the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are respected, and I wholly condemn the use of violence against these protesters by the Venezuelan authorities. I would like to offer my condolences to the families of those affected.
Ireland fully supports the statement made by High Representative Mogherini on 26 January, which reaffirms that a peaceful and inclusive democratic solution is the only sustainable way out of the current political and social crisis. The statement also reaffirms the full support of the EU to the democratically elected National Assembly, emphasising that its powers need to be restored and respected. The EU calls again for the urgent holding of free and fair Presidential elections in accordance with internationally democratic standards and the Venezuelan constitutional order. If no announcement regarding fresh elections is made over the coming days, the EU will take further actions regarding the issue of recognition of the country's leadership. Ireland stands firmly with our EU partners in support of this declaration.
I welcome the high priority given to the issue by the EU, and I expect there will be further discussions on developments in Venezuela at the upcoming Foreign Affairs Council meeting in February. I believe that it is important for us to work in step with our like-minded regional partners.
Our Embassy in Mexico is responsible for our diplomatic relations with Venezuela and is monitoring the situation closely, engaging with partner organisations on the ground and with EU Missions in Caracas. Ireland will continue to engage regularly with our EU partners on this issue, as well as with affected countries in the region.