Resolution on emergency situation in Venezuela

The European Parliament adopted by 310 votes to 120 with 152 abstentions, a resolution on the emergency situation in Venezuela. 

Recognition of Guaido

Parliament confirmed its recognition of Juan Guaidó as the legitimate interim president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in accordance with the Venezuelan Constitution. It expressed its full support for Guaidó’s roadmap, namely on putting an end to usurpation, on the establishment of a national transitional government and on the holding of snap presidential elections. It also reiterated its full support for the National Assembly, the only legitimate democratic body of Venezuela. Welcoming the fact that a significant share of the international community and the overwhelming majority of EU Member States have recognised Guaidó’s legitimacy, Parliament called for the remaining Member States to do so urgently. It reiterated its call for the full recognition as ambassadors of the diplomatic representatives appointed by the legitimate interim president of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Juan Guaidó, to the EU and its Member States.

Elections

Members reiterated their position in favour of a peaceful solution for the country through free, transparent and credible presidential elections based on a fixed calendar, fair conditions for all actors, including neutral National Electoral Council, transparency and the presence of credible international observers. They asked the EEAS, in collaboration with the European Parliament, to offer its expertise in the field of electoral assistance.

Taking note of the establishment of the International Contact Group, which must be prevented from being used by Maduro’s illegal regime as a strategy to delay the resolution of the crisis with the aim of staying in power, Parliament pointed to the lack of any tangible results delivered so far by the contact group, whose main purpose should be the creation of conditions that can lead to snap presidential elections and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance.

The Member States, the VP/HR and the countries of the region were asked to explore the possibility of establishing an international donors’ conference with the aim of providing broad financial support for reconstruction and the transition to democracy.

Repression and humanitarian situation

Parliament reiterated its deep concerns at the severe emergency humanitarian situation and denounced the abuse of law enforcement and the brutal repression by security bodies, which have restrained the entry of humanitarian aid. It strongly supported the call by the UN Secretary-General for an independent and full investigation to be carried out into the reported casualties.

It condemned the harassment, detention and expulsion of several journalists covering the situation in Venezuela; and condemned the raids by Maduro’s security services and the detention of interim president Juan Guaidó’s chief of staff, Roberto Marrero, as well as the recent forced entry into the house of National Assembly member Sergio Vergara.

Members expressed deep concern at the presence of terrorist gangs and organised crime in Venezuela and drew attention to the increased migratory crisis across the entire region and recognised the efforts and solidarity shown by neighbouring countries. They pointed to the fact that 87 % of the population are now living in poverty, 78 % of children in Venezuela are at risk of malnutrition and 31 of every 1 000 children die before the age of 5; whereas more than 1 million children no longer attend school. They asked the Commission to continue cooperating with neighbouring countries, not only by providing humanitarian assistance but also by providing more resources and through development policy.

Parliament called for additional sanctions targeting illegitimate state authorities’ assets abroad and those individuals responsible for human rights breaches and repression. The EU authorities must consequently restrict the movements of these individuals, as well as of their closest relatives, and freeze their assets and visas.

Lastly, Parliament decried the influence of the Cuban regime in Venezuela, which, by using its agents, has contributed to destabilising democracy and increasing political repression against the Venezuelan democratic forces. It pointed out that such intervention could have consequences for EU-Cuba relations, including for the Political Dialogue and Cooperation Agreement between the EU and Cuba.