Julio García / Aquí Europa
The European Union (EU) is following developments in Venezuela with great concern. Reports from international election observation missions clearly indicate that the 28 July presidential elections did not meet international standards of electoral integrity.
In a statement, EU High Representative Josep Borrell said that “despite its commitment, the Venezuelan National Electoral Council (CNE) has still not published the polling station reports. Without evidence to support them, the results published on 2 August by the CNE cannot be recognised. Any attempt to delay the full publication of the polling station reports will only cast further doubt on the credibility of the officially published results”.
“Copies of the electoral minutes published by the opposition and reviewed by several independent organisations indicate that Edmundo González Urrutia would appear to be the winner of the presidential elections by a significant majority”.
In view of this situation, “the European Union calls for further independent verification of the electoral registers, if possible by an internationally reputable body”.
Borrell states on behalf of the EU that “at this critical moment, it is important that demonstrations and protests remain peaceful. The European Union calls for calm and restraint. The Venezuelan authorities, including the security forces, must fully respect human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly”.
Borrell went on to say that “the European Union is seriously concerned by the increasing number of arbitrary arrests and the continued harassment of the opposition. The European Union calls on the Venezuelan authorities to put an end to arbitrary arrests, repression and violent rhetoric against members of the opposition and civil society, and to release all political prisoners”.
Finally, it notes that “the European Union welcomes the efforts of regional partners, with whom it is in close contact, to promote dialogue and a negotiated solution to the crisis”. “Respecting the will of the Venezuelan people remains the only way for Venezuela to restore democracy and resolve the current humanitarian and socio-economic crisis,” it concludes.
