23/07/2019 (Agence Europe) – Panama's request to be part of the International Contact Group on Venezuela was welcomed on Monday 22 July by the twelve countries (eight Member States and four Latin American countries), plus the European Union, which initiated the creation of this group. This initiative is “further proof of a growing international consensus on the need to find a peaceful solution” to the political and humanitarian crisis in the Caribbean country, which would include “the organization of free and transparent presidential elections”, the Group said in a statement. The European Union does not recognise Nicolás Maduro's second term as President. The International Contact Group also aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance to Venezuela and neighbouring countries hosting Venezuelan refugees. (MB)