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Foreign Minister Maas on the situation in Venezuela
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas today (26 January) issued the following statement on the situation in Venezuela:
As Europeans we want to make it clear that the people of Venezuela must be able to decide their future freely. What is needed to restore peace and the rule of law is a peaceful, credible political process in accordance with the Venezuelan constitution. If Nicolás Maduro does not clear the way for credible new elections at once, we are prepared to recognise Juan Guaidó as interim president so that he can launch this political process. Because the National Assembly is the only democratically legitimate representation of the Venezuelan people.
It is good that Europe is speaking with one voice on this important issue. We will continue to coordinate closely with our EU partners.
Background information:
Foreign Minister Maas today agreed a joint declaration with his EU counterparts which has just been published on the EU’s behalf by Federica Mogherini, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. You can read the declaration here: