On Wednesday, 24 June, the International Contact Group on Venezuela demanded that the Venezuelan regime put an end to its unilateral actions and called on both parties to engage in “meaningful and inclusive negotiations that can lead to a democratic way out of the crisis”.
According to a press release by the European External Action Service (EEAS) that was published after a videoconference held by the group, the situation in the country is growing worse: the political crisis is worsening, the democratic and political space is shrinking, the human rights situation is deteriorating, and the humanitarian and migration crisis has been compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“A sustainable solution to the profound Venezuelan crisis needs to include free, transparent, credible and fair legislative and presidential elections,” stresses the EEAS. These conditions have not been met according to the press release, which denounces the recent Supreme Court decisions unilaterally appointing members of the National Electoral Council, which is “neither balanced nor independent”. Much like the replacement of the board of directors of some of the main opposition parties, this “damages the possibility of a consensual electoral path and democratic elections”, adds the press release (see EUROPE 12508/16).
The EEAS also reiterates that “violence, including any military or violent incursion in the country, cannot be an option”.
The International Contact Group announced that it was going to continue to work towards securing broad international support for a peaceful negotiated transition as well as pursue its humanitarian diplomacy efforts (see EUROPE 12493/24).
In addition, on 24 June, ambassadors from EU Member States agreed to initiate the written procedure to adopt new sanctions against Venezuela. This procedure will end on Monday, 29 June. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)