Spain and Allies Demand Action from Venezuela Amid Political Turmoil
Spain has taken a firm stance regarding the ongoing political crisis in Venezuela, joining forces with the United States and a coalition of nations to issue a joint declaration urging the government of Nicolás Maduro to cease violence and release all detainees, including opposition figures apprehended during protests that followed the contentious elections on July 28. The gathering of nations, which occurred in Santo Domingo de Guzmán, emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for restraint and discernment among all social and political actors in Venezuela.
The declaration also highlighted the pressing need for the immediate publication of election records, pointing out that delays in this process seriously undermine the credibility of the electoral results that purportedly favored Maduro's regime. The coalition underscored the essential principles of coexistence, emphasizing the respect for human rights, democratic values, and the fundamental freedoms of all Venezuelans. Notably, they reaffirmed the right of citizens to peacefully protest and to express their opinions freely.
Concerns were raised regarding reports of arbitrary detentions in Venezuela, with the nations collectively expressing alarm over allegations that such actions have occurred without due process. They condemned the repression against protesters that has resulted in fatalities in the aftermath of the elections, renewing their call for an immediate halt to violence and the liberation of detainees, especially those from opposition parties.
Apart from Spain and the United States, the countries backing this declaration included Argentina, Canada, Chile, the Czech Republic, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Guyana, Italy, Morocco, the Netherlands, the UK, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Portugal, the Dominican Republic, Suriname, Uruguay, and the European Union.
In a further step towards accountability, the signatories expressed their desire for the swift return of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Office to Venezuela, alongside requests for the government to create suitable conditions for the office to operate fully. They reiterated that Venezuela, as a signatory to the 1954 Caracas Convention on Diplomatic Asylum, has an obligation to allow safe passage for six asylum seekers currently residing in the Argentinian embassy.
Additionally, the declaration referenced a preliminary report from the United Nations Expert Panel concerning the recent presidential elections, indicating that Venezuela’s National Electoral Council (CNE) had yet to present the necessary electoral records that verify the results announced on August 2. The declaration pointed out discrepancies, bringing attention to digital records that purportedly demonstrate a victory for the opposition, contrary to the official CNE announcement.
The coalition emphasized the importance of publishing all original electoral records and insisted on an impartial international verification of the results to uphold the expressed will of the Venezuelan people in the elections. The nations warned that any delays in transparency would further cast doubt on the legitimacy of the results.
Concluding their statement, the countries called for a genuine dialogue to address the lasting conflicts within Venezuela, underscoring the need for a comprehensive and good-faith political agreement that promotes national reconciliation, peace, public security, and the restoration of democracy. They committed to supporting efforts that foster a uniquely Venezuelan solution rooted in justice and security, aiming to restore stability and harmonious coexistence in the nation.
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