Strasbourg, 18/04/2013 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton called, on 17 April, on all parties to undertake peaceful dialogue. She rejected the violence after the demonstrations that left several dead and wounded in the wake of the presidential elections on 14 April (see EUROPE 19829). While commending the high turnout at the election and the orderly and calm conduct of the election, Ashton said she was “concerned by the growing polarisation of Venezuelan society”.
In her communiqué, Ashton said she takes note of the statements by representatives of both government and opposition on the need for an audit of the vote as well as the subsequent announcement by the National Electoral Commission of the election of Hugo Chavez's successor, Nicolas Maduro, who ran against Henrique Capriles. “It is important that the outcome of the vote can be accepted by all and that appeals are duly considered by the competent Venezuelan authorities”, she added.
Ashton encouraged all parties to “engage constructively to promote good governance and transparency”. (CG/transl.jl)