| Author (Corporate) | Cardiff EDC (Compiler) |
|---|---|
| Publication Date | 2019 |
| Content Type | Overview |
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Summary: Reports and analysis regarding the reactions worlwide - and particularly in Europe - concerning the political crisis and civil unrest in Venezuela, which culminated with the Parliament's speaker self-proclamation as interim President of the country. Further information: The leader of the Parliament, Juan Guaidó - also one of the main opposition figures - declared himself interim President on 23 January 2019 during a demonstration which brought to the streets thousands of protesters. A parallel demonstration in support of incumbent President Nicolás Maduro also took place. Several Latin American countries and the United States of America later announced their support to Mr Guaidó, while countries like China, Cuba and Russia reaffirmed their backing to Mr Maduro. Amid growing pressure to come out with a clear position, the European Union cautiously called for political stakeholders to consider holding 'free and fair elections', and urgen Venezuelan authorities to guarantee the safety of the leader of Parliament. Some individual European countries chose to be more vocal about this matter. Nicolas Maduro has been sworn in for a second mandate as President earlier in the month, following a presidential election deemed unfair and invalid by many stakeholders. An emergency meeting of the UN Security Council was held on 26 January. The European Parliament voted to recognise Juan Guaidó as interim Presidenton 31 January. Following an ultimatum a week before, several European countries followed suit on 4 February, tasking Mr Guaidó with organising fresh presidential elections. On 7 February, the International Contact Group on Venezuela - including several European countries - held its inaugural meeting. This Group was set up to promote a common understanding and a more concerted approach among key international actors on the situation in Venezuela aiming at a peaceful and democratic solution to the crisis. Later in the month, the regime's refusal to accept humanitarian aid put forward by the United States further escalated tensions between civilians and the military. |
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| Subject Categories | Politics and International Relations |
| Subject Tags | National Politics |
| Countries / Regions | Venezuela |
