06/01/2016 (Agence Europe) - EU hails establishment of a new national assembly in Venezuela. On Tuesday 5 January, the spokesperson for High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini stated that the inauguration of the new national assembly in Venezuela was “the key to democracy”. “It is important that the national assembly can fully discharge its constitutional prerogatives, thus respecting the people's vote”, the spokesperson said in a press release. The newly elected members can now engage “constructively” in debate and dialogue, Mogherini's spokesperson stated - as well as in negotiated consensus when necessary, and in proposals to tackle the economic, social and security challenges of Venezuela. Mogherini's spokesperson said that the EU stands ready to step up its relations with Venezuela in this context. On 6 December (see EUROPE 11447), the right-wing opposition coalition won the parliamentary elections with a qualified majority, far ahead of President Nicolas Maduro's party. (CG)