Council conclusions on Venezuela (25 January 2021)

Summary:

Set of conclusions adopted at a meeting of the Council of the European Union on 25 January 2021 concerning the outcome of the legislative elections held in December 2020 in Venezuela and the EU's policy towards the country going forward.

Further information:

The conclusions stress that the elections were a missed opportunity for democracy, held without a national agreement on electoral conditions, and failed to comply with the international standards for a democratic process. The Council reiterates the EU’s call for the guarantee of all political and civil rights, for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and for the freedom and safety of all political opponents.

The Council states that the only way out of the crisis in Venezuela is to resume political negotiations promptly and to urgently establish a Venezuelan-led dialogue and transition process leading to credible, inclusive and transparent legislative and presidential elections. The conclusions underline the EU’s support for the work of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the UN Independent Fact-finding Mission with a view to holding accountable those responsible for extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detentions and torture.

Finally, it shows willingness to work with all stakeholders in Venezuela to foster peaceful dialogue and a democratic and sustainable solution to the crises in the country.

Official

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 25/01/2021: Venezuela: Council adopts conclusions on the outcome of the legislative elections https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/01/25/venezuela-council-adopts-conclusions-on-the-outcome-of-the-legislative-elections/

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