The European Parliament will today adopt a resolution condemning last month’s decision of the Venezuelan Supreme Court to suspend the powers of the National Assembly. The Socialists and Democrats are deeply concerned about the seriously deteriorating political and social situation in the country and the renewed violence, which has claimed more than 20 lives in the past three weeks.

Ramón Jáuregui Atondo, S&D MEP and co-president of the EUROLAT Parliamentary Assembly, said:

“We call on the government and the opposition to engage in a national dialogue to overcome this crisis, for the sake of the Venezuelan people. Only a constructive national dialogue can bring a democratic, peaceful solution and put a stop to the escalating violence which has already claimed more than 20 lives. We ask High Representative, Federica Mogherini, to support any regional or international mediation efforts that promise a breakthrough.  Only a wide agreement between the Government and the Parliament, both legitimate powers, will solve this serious situation by peaceful and democratic means.

“Recent events in Venezuela are very worrying. The Supreme Court’s ruling to strip the National Assembly of its legislative powers, a power grab which was subsequently reversed, blatantly violated the Venezuelan constitution. The separation of powers and the rule of law must be respected by everyone. The EU must now insist on the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners, an investigation into all deaths and a scheduling of free and transparent elections to end the current political impasse.”