Brussels, 27/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - On Thursday 27 February, the European Parliament condemned all acts of violence and loss of life in Venezuela, torn by crisis and violence due to rampant insecurity, high inflation and other economic problems.
Regretting the dozen or so tragic deaths, the MEPs called for a special European Parliament delegation to be sent to Venezuela as soon as possible.
MEPs urge all parties and sections of Venezuelan society to stay calm, in both word and action, as new protests could trigger more violence, which would only further polarise the government and the opposition. Venezuelan authorities must ensure the security of all. In a resolution, MEPs say that parties should immediately disarm and the uncontrolled armed pro-government groups should be dissolved and their impunity put to an end.
The EP reminds the Venezuelan government that freedom of expression and the right to participate in peaceful demonstrations are fundamental rights in a democracy, which are recognized in the Venezuelan constitution. Arrested students and opposition leaders must be immediately released, unfounded accusations and warrants against opposition leaders dropped, and the freedom of the press, information and opinion guaranteed.
It is for President Maduro to deal with the major challenges facing the country, inflation of over 56%, food shortages in an oil-producing country with record levels of crime and insecurity, said EU Taxation Commissioner Algirdas Semeta on behalf of the European Commission. Peruvian novelist Mario Vargas Llosa has said that Venezuela is moving backwards, commented José Salafranca (EPP, Spain), adding that the situation was the result of years of disastrous bully-boy politics and changes.
The European Left supports the current government tooth and nail. Cristina Zuber (GUE/NGL, Portugal) said the same thing had happened in 2002 when fascist groups had organised a coup d'etat financed by subversive American groups, as various documents testify. She said Venezuela had tried to play the progress card, but that hits the interests of multinationals and an attempted coup d'etat is being now run by the right wing. (MB)